Career
In 1935, Meredith joined Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios in Hollywood, California, working in public relations, advertising, and fashion, working directly with Louis B. Mayer. From 1937 to 1941, Meredith took a job with Crowell-Collier publishing in Washington, District of Columbia with their advertising department. In addition to her work in advertising, Meredith wrote two syndicated columns: “At Random” under her own name, and “Selective Tuning” under the name Jean Abbey on the Washington, District of Columbia social scene and women's fashions.
With the outbreak of World World War II, Meredith concentrated on her writing and radio career with the Hecht Broadcasting Company.
In 1940, she became the first woman to broadcast a presidential inauguration, and the first woman to have her own radio commentary show. In addition to her broadcasting work, Meredith volunteered with the United States Treasury Department to raise a total of $250 million of war bonds, worked with the Civilian Defense Home Hospitality Committee, the Stage-Door Canteen, and the Russian War Relief Committee.
In addition to her wartime charitable work, Meredith founded the United Nations Club in December 1941. With the participation ambassadors of 58 countries, the United Nations Club became one of the major social organizations promoting the allied war effort and post-war charitable initiatives of the United States.
In 1948, Meredith returned to Arizona to campaign for her husband"s bid for governor.
After a brief stint with KTAR radio during the campaign, in 1949 she became the producer of “A Look Behind the News” for Columbia Broadcasting System in Phoenix, where she also was a regular commentator. Foreign the next several years Meredith would write, produce and star in several radio and television programs for stations throughout the valley, including “Arizona Close-Ups” for National Broadcasting Company and “Arizona Caravan” for American Broadcasting Company, where she worked as Public Relations Director. organizations including the Washington Fashion Group, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Business and Professional Women's Club. She actively worked in many charitable organizations and local community efforts until her death on June 19, 1996, at the age of 86.
