The City of Fitchburg will dedicate its Common Council Chambers to former mayor Frances Huntley-Cooper—a TEMPO Madison past president—on Wednesday, March 8 at 5:00 p.m. Huntley-Cooper served as the mayor of Fitchburg from 1991 to 1993, making her the first African American to be elected mayor in Wisconsin history.
“We are thrilled that the City of Fitchburg is bestowing this immense honor upon Frances in recognition of her immeasurable service to the community and her important role in state history,” said Leslie Petty, TEMPO Madison Past President and current Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Co-Chair.
Members of the public are invited to attend the official dedication on March 8 at the Fitchburg City Hall, which will include a short program with several speakers, including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, former Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, Madison College President Jack Daniels, and many more. During the dedication, the City will unveil a plaque honoring Huntley- Cooper, generously donated by the TEMPO of Madison Foundation. The event was organized by TEMPO Madison’s DEI Committee, Michael Johnson of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, and the City of Fitchburg.
Huntley-Cooper has impacted and inspired countless individuals throughout her storied public service career, which spans city, county, and state government. Her many accomplishments include serving as mayor of Fitchburg, social work supervisor for Dane County, chair of the Madison Area Technical College Board, president of NAACP Madison Branch, and president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Kappa Psi Omega.
“Few people embody TEMPO Madison’s mission to lead, engage and connect influential women of diverse backgrounds more than Frances. Throughout her career, she has blazed a path for other women to follow,” said Michelle Vetterkind, TEMPO Madison President.
