Civil Servant

Beginning in 1955, Sherrill took a leading position as part of the Houston Civil Defense, beginning his career as a civil servant. He then went on to serve in numerous capacities within Houston’s government during the terms of Mayors Hofheinz and Cutrer, including as department head of city courts and as city treasurer.

He retired from the city of Houston in 1962 and was working for the Jamaica Corporation when he was called to Washington, D.C. in 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Sherrill was needed to fill a vacancy on the three-man board of directors of the FDIC in order to break a policy deadlock. He succeeded at this task and went on to play an influential role in providing banks with management information by using the brand-new IBM 360 computer.

Fourteen months later, President Johnson nominated Sherrill to fill a vacancy on the Federal Reserve Board, where he would serve from 1967 to 1971. One of Sherrill’s biggest contributions to the Federal Reserve was introducing IBM computers, allowing for faster business transactions.

Houston Mayor Lewis Cutrer, William W. Sherrill, and R.E. "Bob" Smith, 1962

This photograph was taken during a reception on August 9, 1962 held in honor of Sherrill for his retirement from public service in Houston.

Telegram from Vice President Lyndon Johnson, 1962

Before he became president, Lyndon Baines Johnson was aware of Sherrill's accomplishments in local government.

William W. Sherrill on a Family Ski Trip, 1966

Shortly after this picture was taken in Aspen, Colorado, Sherrill was called off a plane to take a call from a presidential aide. Sherrill was summoned to the White House where President Lyndon Johnson was announcing Sherrill's nomination to the FDIC.

President Lyndon Johnson and William W. Sherrill, 1966

This photograph depicts President Johnson thanking Sherrill for accepting directorship of the FDIC. Sherrill was on a family vacation when he was called off a plane and directed to come to Washington immediately. Feeling that he lacked the experience, Sherrill planned to turn down the directorship of the FDIC, but President Johnson announced it before he could turn it down.

Telegram Congratulating William W. Sherrill on his Appointment to the Federal Reserve, 1967

Johnny Goyen was one of Sherrill's many friends that sent him humorous congratulatory telegrams upon his appointment. Sherrill was appointed interim governor of the Federal Reserve by President Johnson to replace a vacancy left by Charles Shepardson.

William W. Sherrill when he was Sworn in to the Federal Reserve, 1967 or 1968

Sherrill and his family the day he was sworn in to the Federal Reserve Board. From left to right: Sandra, Sue, Suzanne, and Cynthia.

Associated Press Schedule, 1968

This is the AP schedule for Washington, D.C., for January 22, 1968. Sherrill was reappointed to the Federal Reserve in January 1968. During this new term he would serve under Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon and vote along with other members of the Board of Governors to go off the gold standard.

Congressional Confirmation, 1968

This booklet contains the transcript of the senate hearing that confirmed Sherrill's appointment. After serving as interim Governor, Sherrill was nominated and confirmed for a full term on the Federal Reserve.

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 1967-1971

Sherrill served alongside Andrew F. Brimmer, the first African American Governor of the Federal Reserve. Top row: J. Dewey Daane, Sherman J. Maisel, Andrew F. Brimmer, and Sherrill. Bottom row: J.L. Robertson, Chairman William McChesney Martin, and George W. Mitchell.

William W. Sherrill with President Lyndon Johnson, 1966-1971

This photograph was taken in the Oval Office. Although Sherrill noted that many in Washington found President Johnson to be "countrified," Sherrill respected the President for his abilities.

William W. Sherrill Shaking Hands with President Lyndon Johnson, 1966-1971

This photograph reflects the warm relationship between the two men.