Milton Rice Polland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Milton Rice Polland (June 13, 1909 – September 2, 2006) was an ambassador at large for the Republic of the Marshall Islands and former candidate for the Vice-President of the United States.

[edit] Background

Polland born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the youngest of 10 children. He graduated from the Marquette University, undergraduate and School of Law.

[edit] Business career

Polland began his business career in the life insurance industry. He rose to become Chairman of the Board of Union Trust Life Insurance Co. and served on the boards of several other public and private companies, including for a short time as the Chairman of the Board of Penthouse Magazine.

[edit] Political career

In addition to his active business life, Polland had an active political career spanning in excess of 60 years. He sponsored many local, state and national campaigns, including serving as campaign manager for both Wendell Willkie and Hubert Humphrey in their presidential bids. Close friend and adviser to California Governor Goodwin Knight and United States Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren. In 1972, he ran in the United States national election as the vice presidential nominee for the American Independent Party.

Polland's international political career included representing the Republic of the Marshall Islands as its Ambassador-at-Large. His international service spanned decades and included the aid and development of numerous Micronesian nations. He traveled extensively in East Asia meeting with heads of state and business leaders to develop trade relations in the region.

Polland died in Los Angeles, California home on September 2, 2006 and was survived by his two children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.