By League of Women in Government Editor
Although women currently account for about 21 percent of all local government chief executives today, research shows that it continues to prove difficult for women to break into these top executive positions. Percentages are even less in traditionally male dominated fields such as public safety, engineering, and utilities.
We’re working hard to change this paradigm – not just because women actually make up more than 50 percent of all employees in local and state government, but rather because studies show that gender diversity in leadership results in a more innovative and successful organization as a whole.
Pave the Way Award
The above being said, we’d like to celebrate the female (and male) pioneers in local government who have helped women achieve success in some of the most senior level executive positions across the country. These trail blazers started the revolution for women today in all fields of local government including administration, public safety, engineering, finance and utilities.
In January we recognized two such pioneers with a 2016 PAVE THE WAY Award to recognize their courage and tenacity to create the path for the women behind them as the first female city managers in their cities:
- Chantelle Garrett, the current and first female City Manager of Victoria, TX and
- Cheryl Hilvert, the former and first female City Manger of Fairfield, OH and Montgomery, OH.
Pave the Way Nominations
Who comes to mind in your life that has had an impact on your career and/or the careers of others? Is the person the “first female” city manager, police chief, etc. or someone who inspires and mentors women in local government in other ways? We’d love to recognize these unsung heroes!
Send your nomination with a short summary of who nominated, why an inspiration to women, and any other important details to LeagueWomenGov@gmail.com.
