Since 1974, when ICMA established the Task Force on Women in the Profession to confront the fact that only one percent of the chief administrative officer (CAO) positions in local government were filled by women, ICMA has championed inclusion of women in local government administration. Over the past 50 years, we have made significant strides to help increase opportunities for women to serve as CAOs, who now serve in 20% of CAO positions nationwide. 

Integral to these changes has been outcomes of member-driven efforts, such as the Task Force on Women in the Profession in 1974 and 2013, and the Task Force on Strengthening Inclusiveness in the Profession in 2014. The activities and leadership of such affiliate organizations as the League of Women in Government, the multitude of Women Leading Government chapters in states across the country, and initiatives like the Legacy Project in Illinois and the 16/50 Project in Michigan, as well as ongoing academies or institutes for women in local government in Oregon/Washington, Texas, and Virginia, provide the representation, training, and thought leadership necessary to increase opportunities for women to serve as CAOs in local government and to increase awareness of women in those roles.

“As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the task force report on the Status of Women in the Profession, I am encouraged by the efforts of the SheLeadsGov initiative embraced by ICMA.” - Bonnie Svrcek, ICMA Past President and coordinator of the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute

Building upon the foundation laid by those who came before, ICMA continues to advance the importance of representation through its SheLeadsGov initiative. “When I was president in 2012, I convened a Task Force on Women in Government to guide our efforts in being more inviting and supportive of women in the profession,” said Bonnie Svrcek, ICMA Past President and coordinator of the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute. “As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the task force report on the Status of Women in the Profession, I am encouraged by the efforts of the SheLeadsGov initiative embraced by ICMA.”

SheLeadsGov is a global initiative for ICMA and ICMA affiliates that aims to promote gender equity by providing career resources and a platform for women in local government management positions to network with each other. With staff support dedicated to initiatives aimed at increasing representation of women in the profession—such as the annual SheLeadsGov Virtual Forum, SheLeadsGov webinars, the Women in Leadership PM column—SheLeadsGov has gained global recognition as ICMA’s platform to recruit and retain women members, strengthen strategic partnerships, and generate revenue supporting the advancement of gender equity in the profession.

With the recognition and reputation of ICMA’s SheLeadsGov program, the ICMA Executive Board has recommended the establishment of a “SheLeadsGov Committee” to serve as the conduit to ICMA staff and the board on issues related to women in the profession. This effort will maintain momentum through a pause in partnership with the League of Women in Government as they renew and refresh their scope as an organization that supports the mission of advancing women in local government senior executive leadership.

“I and the ICMA Executive Board believe that the SheLeadsGov standing committee is the best way to assure that ICMA remains at the forefront of gender equity in local government and ICMA leadership.” - Lon Pluckhahn, ICMA President and deputy city manager, Vancouver, Washington

The SheLeadsGov Committee will provide support and guidance to assure ICMA continues to deliver best-in-class gender balance initiatives that produce information, resources, and programs aligned with the ICMA Envision Strategy of developing talented women and helping them to succeed in the profession. Additionally, the SheLeadsGov Committee will ensure that ICMA’s leadership structure reflects the value of women by providing representation on each of the regional nominating committees. 

“I am proud of the robust programs and initiatives ICMA offers through the SheLeadsGov program, and of ICMA’s unwavering commitment to increasing opportunities for women in the profession,” said Lon Pluckhahn, ICMA President. “I and the ICMA Executive Board believe that the SheLeadsGov standing committee is the best way to assure that ICMA remains at the forefront of gender equity in local government and ICMA leadership.” 

ICMA committees and task forces provide opportunities for members to use their talents and interests to become engaged in ICMA and support the profession. As part of the 2024 call for volunteers, ICMA members will have the opportunity to apply to serve on the SheLeadsGov Committee.