Paths to Appointed Office

Women of all ages, backgrounds and talent can and should serve in appointed office. Our communities need skills, ideas and energy at every level. Regardless of where you are in your career, there is an opportunity for you to serve through appointed office.

There is no "one way" to become qualified to serve. Here are just a few examples of inspirational women who have reached appointed oofice - and how they got there. Hopefully, their paths will inspire you to start planning your own.

Janis Berk
Director, Ventura County Fair Board of Directors, California
Vice President, San Miguel Produce (4 years) Business Consultant, Berk Associates (3 years) Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Planning, Rauxa Direct (1 year) Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Los Angeles Times (4 years)Director of Marketing, Los Angeles News Group (2 years)

Laura Anglin
Commissioner, Ravitch Commission on Metropolitan Transit Authority Financing, New York (Part-time)
Budget Director, New York State (11 months)
First Deputy Budget Director, New York State (1 year)
Deputy Comptroller of the Division of Retirement Services (4 years)
First Deputy Fiscal Director for the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, New York State Assembly (3 years)
Director of Budget Studies for the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, New York State Assembly (4 years)
Econometrician, Department of Taxation and Finance (4 years)
Economist, Department of Environmental Conservation

Susan Jacobsen-Jackson
Parole Board Commissioner, Nevada State Parole Board
Law enforcement training consultant and trainer, Commission on Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (9 years)Criminal Investigator III- Detective Sergeant, Nevada Division of Investigation Senior (6 years)Investigator, Attorney General’s Office (7 years)Enforcement Agent, Nevada State Gaming Control Board (1 year) 

Elizabeth R. Thornton
Member, Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board (Part-time)
Part-Time Faculty, Babson College, Blank Center for Entrepreneurship
Part-Time Faculty, Boston University School of Management, Entrepreneurial Management Unit
President CEO, Entrepreneurship Advantage, Inc. (3 years)
First Vice President of New Product Development, Bank One (4 years)
Founder, Marketing Consulting Firm (5 years)
Director of Marketing, for Retail Travel Sales, American Express (6 years)

Carol Backstrom
Assistant to the Commissioner for Health Reform, Minnesota Commissioner of Health
Senior Manager, Care Innovation and Manager, Government Relations and Community Health Initiatives, HealthPartners and Regions Hospital (7 years)

Erum Malik
Commissioner, Maryland Commission for Women (Part-time)
Homemaker
Activist in community and women's organizations 

YOUR Path to Appointed Office

Women with Senior Leadership Experience

If you are well advanced in your career, the types of positions you should consider include: state cabinet members such as the Director of Transportation; director of state and local departments such as the Historic Landmark and Preservation Commissioner, or members of statewide boards such as a university or hospital trustee. While we encourage you to explore the whole site, some resources that are geared specifically to you can be found here.

Mid-Career Women

If you are mid-career and looking for new challenges, the types of positions you should consider include: local committee members such as the Community Activities or Library Board; members of a state licensure entity, such as Contractor’s State License Board or Board of Liquor License Commissioners; or executive positions such associate director of the Transportation Commission or Mental Health Board. Click here to learn more.

Women Early in their Careers

If you are just getting started in the work force, the types of positions someone of your skill set and experience should consider are: interest group boards and commissions (like the Italian-American commission or women’s commission), entry-level appointed positions, like a staff position on your state transportation commission. While we encourage you to explore the whole site, some resources that are geared specifically to you can be found here.