Adams County Honors Women’s History Month with History-Making Supermajority of Women on Board of County Commissioners

This Women’s History Month, the Adams County Board of Commissioners is making history itself. For the first time, four out of the five members of the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) in Adams County are women: Lynn Baca, Julie Duran Mullica, Kathy Henson, and Emma Pinter. In addition, both the Chair (Baca) and Vice Chair (Mullica) are women.

Commissioner Baca, District 5, ran for her role after spending her career as a civil servant, starting first as an Adams County employee. Baca, the first Latina Asian Pacific Islander to serve on the board, was born and raised in Adams County and believes it is vital for young people to see themselves represented in roles like hers.

“I became a county commissioner because ever since I was a little girl growing up in Brighton, I’ve cared about this county and its people and wanted to make a difference,” Baca said. “This month, celebrating alongside the four other women on the Adams County Commission, it feels like a celebration for every little girl in our community who wants to lead. When they look at our county’s leaders, they can see themselves.”

From when Elaine Valente was elected as the first woman to serve on the Adams County Board in 1988 to today, the BoCC has seen some major changes, including the addition of two board members to bring the total from three to five. Ever since Valente’s election, there has always been a woman seated on the commission.

To further illustrate the power of this progress, a total of nine women have served as county commissioners in Adams County in the 123 years of the county’s history. All of them have served within the last 40 years—four of those nine are currently seated.

“We’re setting a new standard with this board and with every woman in a leadership role—it is becoming the norm to see women leaders, and that is something to celebrate,” said Mullica, District 1. “I am so grateful to the powerhouse women who came before me and blazed the trail for not only this board, but for the many women in leadership positions across Adams County’s government.”

The BoCC issued a proclamation recognizing Women’s History Month and the numerous vital contributions of women to our county, state, and beyond at its March 18 Public Hearing. Each of the five commissioners spoke following the proclamation to echo the importance of recognizing this observance, with several commissioners discussing their paths to leadership. Commissioner Kathy Henson, District 2, discussed the gravity of observing Women’s History Month during her first term as county commissioner.

“To the little girl, the young professional, the stay-at-home mom—every woman out there wondering what she has to offer her community—I’ve been in your shoes,” Henson said. “I hope anyone who questions if they can lead looks at this board and sees that yes, you can be an artist; a civil servant; a lawyer; a scientist; an active, vital, and involved member of your family and community; and a resounding yes, you can be a leader.”

In addition to the county commissioners, the majority of the county’s Executive Leadership Team are also women: Senior Deputy County Manager Alisha Reis, Deputy County Managers Dionne Stroter and Kristin Sullivan, County Attorney Heidi Miller, and Chief of Staff Lindsey Melki. Adams County also has multiple department directors and deputy directors who are women, further demonstrating the county’s commitment to gender parity in leadership.

“It has always taken grace and guts for women in leadership to forge new paths and break new ground. Being the first Board to do something is exciting, but importantly, it signals we won’t be the last,” said Pinter, District 3. “So many notable women in history who led complicated lives all made their mark on our American history, from Marsha P. Johnson to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Condoleezza Rice, and so many other women in history.”

Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio, District 5, has served as a county commissioner for 10 years and is the most senior member of the board. During the proclamation reading for Women’s History Month, O’Dorisio spoke with admiration about the four women he currently serves alongside on the board, those he has served with throughout his term, the many women on staff, and those who have helped shape his life and career.

“Adams County and Colorado continue to recognize and celebrate women’s history, legacy, and future. I am proud to help amplify the voices of the incredible women around me and the remarkably strong women who shaped me,” O’Dorisio said. “The women who serve on this county commission, the county’s Executive Leadership Team, and in roles at every level of Adams County government represent the grit, grace, and determination of our amazing community.”