Frances Huntley-Cooper facts for kids
Frances Huntley-Cooper is an important leader from Wisconsin. She made history as the first African American mayor elected in the state. She served as mayor of Fitchburg, Wisconsin from 1991 to 1993.
She also serves on the board of trustees for Madison Area Technical College. She has been appointed to this role three times.
Education and Learning
Frances Huntley-Cooper is a highly educated person. In 1973, she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Services. She received this degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
The next year, in 1974, she earned a Masters of Science Degree in Social Work. This degree was from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Later, in 1994, she completed another Masters of Arts degree. This one was in Public Policy and Administration.
Working Life
Frances Huntley-Cooper had a long career helping people. For 28 years, she worked in social services. She was a supervisor for Dane County's Human Services Department. In this role, she helped children, young people, and families.
Later, she was appointed by Governor James Doyle. She worked in the Department of Workforce Development. From 2003 to 2010, she led Wisconsin's Worker's Compensation Division.
In 2003, Huntley-Cooper was elected to a global organization. This was the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC). She became a member-at-large. She also led the EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Council from 2005 to 2008. In 2009, she became the international president of IAIABC.
Helping the Community
Huntley-Cooper is very active in her community in Madison, Wisconsin. She is a founding member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She was president of her local chapter from 2009 to 2012.
She also serves on the board for the Capital City Hues newspaper. She has received special honors for her work. These include being a YWCA Woman of Distinction. She also received the Woman of Achievement award. This was from Wisconsin Women in Government, Inc.
For four years, she was president of the Madison branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She also supports health causes. For example, she participates in events for breast cancer awareness.
Political Roles
Frances Huntley-Cooper started her political career in 1987. She served as District 1 Alderwoman for four years. During this time, she led important finance and personnel committees. In 1990, she became president of the Fitchburg Common Council.
From 1991 to 1993, she served as the mayor of Fitchburg. She was the first African American person elected to lead a city in Wisconsin.
She was also involved in national politics. In 2008, she was a delegate for Barack Obama. She attended the Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado. In 2009, she attended his inauguration as the 44th U.S. President. She was also a delegate for the Democratic National Convention in 2012. Before these, she was a delegate for Jessie Jackson in 1998. She was also a delegate for Bill Clinton in 1992.
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