Frances Huntley-Cooper facts for kids
Frances Huntley-Cooper is a very important person in Wisconsin history! She was the first African American mayor ever elected in the state of Wisconsin. She became the mayor of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, on April 2, 1991, and served until 1993.
Today, she is an elected member and chair of the board of trustees for Madison Area Technical College. This is her third time being appointed to this important role.
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Her Education Journey
Frances Huntley-Cooper worked hard in school. In 1973, she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Services from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. The very next year, in 1974, she received her Masters of Science Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She later went back to school and earned another Masters of Arts Degree in Public Policy and Administration in 1994.
Her Career and Public Service
Frances Huntley-Cooper had a long career helping people. For 28 years, she worked in social services as a supervisor for the Dane County Department of Human Services. She helped children, young people, and families.
Later, she was chosen by Governor James Doyle to work in the Department of Workforce Development. From 2003 to 2010, Frances was in charge of the Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Division. This division helps people who get hurt at work.
She also became a leader in an international group called the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC). She was elected to serve on their board in 2003. She even became the international president of IAIABC in 2009, which is a big achievement!
Making a Difference in the Community
Frances Huntley-Cooper is very active in her community in Madison, Wisconsin. She is a founding member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority's Kappa Psi Omega chapter, which is a group focused on community service. She was also their president from 2009 to 2012.
She serves on the board for the Capital City Hues newspaper. She has received special awards, like being named a YWCA Woman of Distinction and a Woman of Achievement by Wisconsin Women in Government, Inc. For four years, she was also the president of the Madison branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a well-known civil rights organization.
Frances Huntley-Cooper is also a breast cancer survivor and actively supports the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which raises money for breast cancer research.
Her Political Roles
Frances Huntley-Cooper started her political career as an Alderwoman for District 1 in Fitchburg in 1987. She served for four years and led important committees dealing with money and staff. In 1990, she became the president of the Fitchburg Common Council.
Her biggest political role was serving as the mayor of Fitchburg from 1991 to 1993. As mentioned, she made history as the first African American person elected to lead a city in Wisconsin.
She was also chosen as a delegate for several important national political conventions. She was a delegate for Barack Obama at the 2008 Democratic Convention and even attended his inauguration as the 44th US President in 2009. She was also a delegate for Jesse Jackson in 1998 and Bill Clinton in 1992.
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