Step into the realm of civic leadership and service as we proudly present the Junior League’s State Officials Showcase. This platform honors the outstanding contributions of our members who have served as appointed and elected officials at the state level. From advocating for change to shaping policy, explore the stories of Junior League women who have made significant impacts on state governance. Join us in recognizing and celebrating the dedication, leadership, and enduring influence of Junior League members in state-level government service.
The Junior League of Montgomery, AL
Appellate Court, Supreme Court of Alabama
In office 2011-present
Court of Criminal Appeals
In office 2001-2011
The Junior League of Washington, DC
At Large Representative for DC State Board of Education
In office 2016-present
The Junior League of Nashville
Tennessee General Assembly Member, 1988-present; Speaker of the House, 2011
The Junior League of Tulsa, OK
Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives
In office 2016-present.
Former Junior League of Atlanta President, Cynthia H. Clanton serves as the Director and General Counsel of the Judicial Council’s Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). In addition to her role as legal advisor to the agency, for the past 16 years Ms. Clanton has overseen a grant providing civil legal services to victims of domestic violence throughout Atlanta. Ms. Clanton’s past leadership includes serving on the Executive Committee of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence. She previously worked for the State Bar of Georgia as an Assistant General Counsel and was the inaugural Director of its Consumer Assistance Program.
Causes/Issue Area(s): Drug Abuse, Mental Health, Juvenile Justice, Children and the Internet
Honors/Achievements: Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts for the Tennessee Supreme Court, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, senior policy advisor to two former Governors, Special Envoy to the U.N.'s International Telecommunications Union.
The recipient of the 2006 Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award, Deborah Taylor Tate is the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts for the Tennessee Supreme Court. She serves as Special Envoy to the U.N.'s ITU for Child Online Protection, and is a former U.S. FCC Commissioner, a volunteer, an attorney, and a mother of three. A member of the Junior League of Nashville for more than 17 years, Deborah has made significant contributions toward recognizing, addressing, and improving the health, economic, and social well-being of women and children. Her work has made a lasting impact on local organizations, as she has served as chairperson for countless committees within her League and has held leadership positions on numerous boards in Nashville.
Deborah's membership and leadership in the Junior League of Nashville have made a tremendous difference in the League's ability to serve, improve, and enrich the lives of those in need. She has continually volunteered to take on the difficult issues facing women and children in the community and has succeeded in bringing agencies, professionals, advocates, and volunteers together to create a systemic change with lasting effects. As President of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), she has increased both the funding and programs to inspire a record-breaking number of League volunteers to represent children in court. Deborah has worked tirelessly on behalf of families in recovery from drug abuse, which led her to co-found the Renewal House, Nashville's first, largest, and most comprehensive long-term recovery community for addicted women and children.
Outside of her League work, Deborah served as a practicing attorney and senior policy advisor to former Governor Lamar Alexander and former Governor Don Sundquist as a senior mental health and juvenile justice policy advisor. She was instrumental in the creation and implementation of a statewide plan establishing a Mental Health Revision Commission, which culminated in the passage of an entire new mental health law for Tennessee. She presently serves as Chairman of the Board of Centerstone, the largest behavioral health provider in Tennessee.
In accepting her award, presented at a special luncheon ceremony sponsored by specialty retailer Talbots during the 84th AJLI Annual Conference, Deborah encouraged League members to continue to build partnerships with local leaders and organizations. She also challenged members to use the Junior League to take the first steps toward accomplishing their dreams, and then inspire others in their community to contribute their resources and human power to make an even larger difference.
Circuit Court Judge, 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida
In office 2007-present
Visit Donna's official webpage.
The Junior League of St. Louis, MO
Missouri State Senator
In office 1995-2002
Causes/Issue Area(s): Women's Health
Honors/Achievements: Missouri State Senator
Senator Elizabeth "Betty" Sims was honored with The League's prestigious Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award, the highest honor bestowed on an individual Junior League. Senator Sims has been a member of the Junior League of St. Louis for more than 48 years and has contributed to the St. Louis community as a volunteer, businesswoman, and state legislator. As the longest standing board member of the Junior League of St. Louis, she has had an enormous impact on the organization.
During Senator Sims's presidential term, the St. Louis League celebrated its 60th Anniversary and expanded its impact through initiatives such as the Mobile Hearing and Speech Unit and the Junior Kindergarten, which served as a model for the national Head Start program. Today, she continues to be a vital force in the League, working tirelessly to train new members, inspire the League's Public Affairs Committee, and raise funds.
Outside of the League, Senator Sims has lent her expertise to numerous organizations, including the nation's largest Girl Scout Council, the local United Way, the Salvation Army, the Arts and Education Council, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, and the Repertory Theater. She was President and founder of the St. Louis unit of Girls Inc. and the first woman Vice-President of the local United Way.
As a State Senator, Sims has consistently championed initiatives in support of women's health and well-being, including the Governor's Women's Health Initiative, the creation of the Office on Women's Health, and the MC+ for Kids Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). She is the Assistant Majority Floor Leader and Chairman of the Aging, Families and Mental Health Committee. She also serves as co-chairman of the Senate Committee on Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence. She is a member of the Senate Committees on Public Health and Welfare, Transportation, and Appropriations. She was appointed chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee on Health Care in September 2001.
The Junior League of Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota State Senator
In office 1977-1980
Causes/Issue Area(s): Voluntarism, Women, Leadership Development
Honors/Achievements: A Junior League Leader, State Senator, and advisor to a Governor, inspiring women to make a difference in their communities
A passionate advocate for women's rights and leadership, Emily Anne Staples Tuttle of the Junior League of Minneapolis is the winner of the 2010 Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award.
“Emily Anne has devoted her life to voluntarism and inspiring women to share ideas in order to support their communities,” said Delly Beekman, President-Elect of the AJLI Board and member of the Junior League of Monmouth County. “She is a long-time supporter of women’s issues and continues to encourage women to get involved in leadership roles to make a difference in their communities.”
In addition to her role as a leader of the Junior League of Minneapolis, Tuttle has been a Minnesota State Senator, a Hennepin County Commissioner and an advisor to former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura. She was also instrumental in organizing the first Minnesota Women’s Political Caucus, the first Women’s Institute for Social Change, the first Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable and the United Nations Association of Minnesota.
The Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, VA
Since 2005 appointed by the past 4 Governors of Virginia to serve in different positions within the
Secretariat of Public Safety and Homeland Security Agency
Currently Community Risk Reduction Coordinator for the Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office appointed by Governor Terry McAuliffe
Appointed 2014-present
The Junior League of Collin County, TX
Texas State Senator
In office 1993 - 2013
Economic Growth, Security, Transportation
Honors/Achievements: State senator; Mayor of Plano; Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas Woman of Courage Award; Law & Order Award from the Texas District & County Attorneys Association; Collin Council on Family Violence Lifetime Achievement Award
Powerhouse, trailblazer, and dynamic reformer Florence Shapiro won the 2013 Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award.
The founder of the Plano Service League, which in 1984 became The Junior League of Plano that is, now known as The Junior League of Collin County, she is admired for the depth and breadth of her expertise, her insight, and the super-human energy she invests in the causes she commits herself to.
Back in the mid-1970s, she recognized the big-city problems that had begun to complicate the quality of life in what was then her small town of Plano—and made a plan to tackle them. At a time when no women’s service organization existed in the area, she recruited 12 civic-minded women with aspirations like her own: to find solutions for needs that were going unaddressed in the community, and to provide a band of volunteers who could help.
With her leadership, this group of women formed the Plano Service League in 1976 and focused on dental care for underprivileged children and supported the Swine Flu Clinic.
Soon she was recognized for her contributions and encouraged to run for an open seat on the Plano City Council. There she ultimately served six terms before being elected Mayor. Simultaneously she served as president of the Texas Municipal League and the North Texas Council of Governments.
In 1993, Florence was elected to the State Senate, where she has served in an array of posts including Chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Education and member of the Finance, Transportation, and Homeland Security Committees.
Known as a champion for education, children, security, economic growth, and transportation, Florence counts among her most significant legislative achievements the passage of a bill to provide more money for classroom excellence; raise teachers’ pay; improve college readiness and curb dropouts; and establish the first-ever incentive pay program.
In addition, she spearheaded “Ashley’s Laws,” a legislative package named in honor of a seven-year-old girl who was abducted and murdered in 1993. The laws adjudicate, punish, and track sex offenders and have been used as a national benchmark credited with saving more than 500 children nationally.
Among the countless awards she has received are the Collin County Council on Family Violence Lifetime Achievement Award; the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas Woman of Courage Award; the Texas Legislative Leadership Award from the Nature Conservancy; and the Law & Order Award from the Texas District & County Attorneys Association, among many, many others.
The Junior League of Greater Orlando
Mayor of Orlando, FL 1992-2003;
Secretary of State of Florida 2003-2005
Causes/Issue Area(s): Diversity, Historical Preservation
Honors/Achievements: First elected woman Mayor of Orlando, appointed Florida Secretary of State
Glenda E. Hood is a woman committed to making a difference. Not only does she work to create positive change at the governmental level, but she is also a lifelong volunteer and dedicated Junior League leader. It is her history of innovative leadership in the public and private sectors, as well as her many efforts to bring people together to improve communities, that has earned her The League's highest honor: the Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award.
"Glenda has dedicated over 20 years to putting citizens first and providing strong and compassionate leadership to those in the Greater Orlando community," says Betsy Thompson, Talbots Director of Public Relations. "Her hard work and giving spirit have set a wonderful example within the Greater Orlando community and for women volunteers everywhere, and we congratulate her on receiving this year's Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award."
In 1982, Hood became the youngest President of the Junior League of Greater Orlando, Florida, with the Presidential theme, "A Sense of Community." Her community-oriented perspective contributed to the League's role in the award-winning Hospice Project, the historical preservation efforts of the Orlando Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the awareness-building efforts of the League's Diversity Training Network. She served three terms as the first elected woman Mayor of Orlando and was appointed as Florida Secretary of State by Governor Jeb Bush in 2003.
It has been said of Hood's leadership style, "what you see is what you get." It is this authentic and unaffected approach that has made her a successful volunteer and servant leader. In addition to developing a number of important programs in the Orlando community - within and outside the Junior League - she has served as President of the National League of Cities, President of the Florida League of Cities, Chairman of the Board of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and currently as Chair of the Department of Homeland Security Transition Task Force. Her progressive vision and inclusive nature have helped her build partnerships among 34 countries in the Americas and the Caribbean as part of the Free Trade Area of the Americas for the state of Florida. She also has made a lasting impact on the Junior League of Orlando's diversity, effectiveness, and relevance in the community.
Outside of her League and political work, Hood is currently President and CEO of her own business development and consulting firm, Hood Partners LLC. She helped create, and has been a part of, a number of special programs, including the American Council of Young Political Leaders and the Society of International Business Fellows at Georgia State University. She speaks regularly on topics of smart growth, international business, the arts, and women's issues.
Throughout her career, Hood has received many honors, including the American Community Network's Leadership Award for Economic Excellence, the American Red Cross Spotlight Award, the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) Humanitarian Award and the National Jewish Fund's Tree of Life award.
"The significant contributions that Glenda Hood has made to The Junior League, our community, our state, nationally and internationally exemplify the value of voluntarism and commitment to community that Mary Harriman championed," says Betsy Culpepper, President of the Junior League of Greater Orlando. "We are so proud that one of our members is being honored with the highest award given within our Association to an individual member, especially during our 60th Anniversary year."
The Junior League of Tampa, FL
Florida House of Representatives
In office 2017-present
The Junior League of Springfield, MO
38th Judicial Circuit Court in Missouri
In office 2017-present
The Junior League of Little Rock, AR
Attorney General of Arkansas
In office 2015-present
The Junior League of Wilmington, DE
Delaware State Senate
In office 1994-2019
Visit Margaret's official webpage.
Senator Margaret Rose Henry, a paragon of public service for more than 30 years, displayed the fearless determination, trailblazing spirit and undeniable community impact reflective of Mary Harriman herself.
The following are excerpts from a moving and inspiring tribute to Margaret Rose Henry by Mat Marshall, a communications assistant for the state Senate Democratic Caucus who worked alongside the Senator for the last two years of her Senate career.
I can’t overstate what a joy it’s been to work for her over the past two years, or how sad it is to see her leave the Senate. I have never met someone so humble and self-deprecating despite her role in making history. I have never met anyone so unblinking in their commitment to their values or whose worldview was so fundamentally centered on empathy. I have never met someone so unequivocally progressive and yet so respected on the other side of the aisle. I have never met someone who so clearly understands the importance of promoting others over herself. I’m not sure that I ever will again.
She has always been on the forefront of efforts to reform the criminal justice system and a draconian body of drug policies. She has been an advocate for children, for the working class, for the LGBTQ community, for the homeless, for public schools, for affordable housing and health care and for her constituents. If our Party is searching for its soul, it can end its search with Margaret Rose Henry.
After everything – after all her work, after all the attacks she’s weathered along the way, after 24 years of bee-lining towards children instead of microphones – she would have every right to be a little haughty but she wasn’t. She’s never been anything but self-effacing. Her positions were always clear-cut, honest, and fair.
I’m lucky to be in a field that gives me a firsthand look at public figures’ private selves and it takes restraint not to tell people about all the good deeds that go unpublicized. But, there’s no use in any of us comparing ourselves to Margaret Rose Henry. She is a once-in-a-generation type of leader and I feel lucky just to have shared some time with her.
The Junior League of Charlotte, NC
North Carolina House of Representatives
In office 1993-2013.
Causes/Issue Area(s): Women's Health
Honors/Achievements: Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives
Junior League of Charlotte member Martha Bedell Alexander was honored with the Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award. As a League and community volunteer and a lifelong advocate, she has made significant contributions to the improvement of the health, economic, and social welfare of women, children, and families.
As a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Alexander has advocated for issues as far ranging as child day care standards and racial justice, to the creation of a Patients' Bill of Rights and the issue of chemical dependency and mental health. She has a long and distinguished history of service with, among others, The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, and The World Service Council of the National YWCA.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, Alexander persevered through her personal illness and emerged as a mentor for others with breast cancer and a spokesperson sharing experiences and offering support to other survivors as well as the families of those lost to cancer. Throughout her life, her example of direct service and political activism has encouraged others to embrace the tradition of community service. As one individual in her community offered, " she is a local hero who has had national impact."
The Junior League of Northern Virginia, VA
Member of the Virginia Senate
In office 1996-2012
The Junior League of Springfield, MO
Assistant Federal Defender,
The Office of the Public Defender - Western District of Missouri
In office 1995-present
The Junior League of Tampa, FL
Attorney General of Florida
In office 2011-2019.
The Junior League of Monroe, LA
Director of Louisiana State Arts Council
In office 2014-present
The Junior League of Charlotte, NC
Legislator, North Carolina General Assembly
In office 2003-present
The Junior League of Monroe, LA
Commissioner, 5th District
Louisiana Tax Commission
Appointed 2016-present
The Junior League of Springfield, Missouri
Missouri State Senate
In office 1995-2003.
Greene County commissioner since 2004.
Causes/Issue Area(s): Education, Public Service
Achievements: Former Missouri State Senator, education advocate
Roseann Knauer Bentley first became an agent of change when she chaired the Junior League of Springfield's committee that brought public television to the city in the early 1970s after only 16 months of courting the Public Broadcasting System. She went on to become JLS President.
Roseann’s biggest impact, however, came in public office.
She was the first woman elected to the Missouri State Senate from Southwest Missouri and also the first to serve on the Senate Finance Committee, which handles the state’s budget. She served in the Senate for eight years, the maximum allowed under term limits.
Roseann also has been a long-time advocate for education. She served as president of the Springfield School Board, the Missouri State Board of Education, and the National Association of State Boards of Education, where she was honored to be asked to meet with President George H. W. Bush to consult on National Education Goals.
She presently serves as a Greene County Commissioner.
She has lent her leadership skills to the United Way of the Ozarks, the Community Foundation, the Mayor’s Commission for Children, the Community Partnership of the Ozarks, FACT (Families and Children Together), and the Coordinating Board for Early Childhood.
Recognition for her accomplishments in public life has included the Springfieldian Award, the Hero for Kids Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Missouri Arts Council, the Missouri Woman of Distinction Award, and the Humanitarian Award from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
The Junior League of the Palm Beaches
Circuit Court Judge
15th Judicial Circuit of Florida
In office 2015-present
Visit Samantha's official webpage
The Junior League of Westchester-On-Hudson
New York State Assembly
In office 1992 -present
The Junior League of Las Vegas, NV
Eighth Judicial District Court Judge, Nevada
Appointed 2017-present
The Junior League of Topeka, KS
Kansas Insurance Commissioner
In office 2018-present