The Dane County Board of Supervisors elected Supervisor Sharon Corrigan of Middleton as chair Tuesday, who made Dane County history as the second woman ever to hold the position.
“She has great leadership skills,” Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said. “I think she’ll do great.”
Corrigan, who ran uncontested, will replace Interim Chair John Hendrick and serve a two-year term as chair.
“I’m really honored that the Board elected me without offering another nomination,” Corrigan said. “I feel like it’s an important responsibility and one that I’m excited ... to work on and move Dane County forward.”
As chair, Corrigan has the power to appoint committee members and set the agenda, according to Parisi.
Corrigan stressed her desire to partner with other elected officials by addressing issues in the community, including ensuring water quality and confronting the mental health issues of prison inmates.
With Supervisor Carousel Bayrd of Madison’s West Side re-election as vice chair, it will be the first time in the board’s history that women have occupied both top leadership positions.
“I hope it’s an inspiration to women of all ages, and for young women who may not have thought of running for office. Maybe seeing that would inspire them to think of running,” Corrigan said. “I think we need both men and women serving in office, and we make better decisions when we have representatives from all different groups at the table.”
The Dane County Board of Supervisors also selected Madison’s Near West Side Supervisor Kyle Richmond as second vice chair.
