Karen Humphrey
Karen Humphrey was a local news reporter, who later served as mayor of Fresno, California between 1989 and 1993. She was the first female mayor of Fresno, and as of 2019, the last Democratic mayor the city has had.[1] She lost re-election to businessman Jim Patterson, not only losing in the primary, but only receiving 18% of the vote, and finishing third overall.
Karen Humphrey | |
|---|---|
| 21st Mayor of Fresno | |
| In office June 6, 1989 – January 7, 1993 | |
| Preceded by | Dale Doig |
| Succeeded by | Jim Patterson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Karen Humphrey January 1, 1945 White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Ken Clarke (m. 1972) |
| Education | University of Southern California (BA) California State University, Sacramento (MPP), (MWS) |
Careers
The start of Humphrey's career and professional life began when she was a news reporter and anchor for local news stations in Eureka and Fresno, California. She was the first woman reporter on air in Fresno. In 1979 she decided to take her talents elsewhere and was elected to the Fresno City Council, where she served two terms.[2]
After her career as mayor, Humphrey worked in educational policy at the state level. She became executive director of the California Postsecondary Education Commission in 2009, and served in that role until 2011 when the commission was disbanded.[3][4][1][2]
Since her move to Sacramento, she has focused her attention on getting more women into public office.[5][6]
Education
Humphrey obtained a bachelor's degree in humanities from the University of Southern California and a master's Degree in public policy and women's studies from California State University, Sacramento.[2]
Family
Humphrey is married to Ken Clarke, and the two reside in Sacramento.[2]
References
- Johnson, Kelly (February 11, 2009). "Humphrey named education commission leader". Sacramento Business Journal. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
- "Executive Director Biography". Postsecondary Education Commission. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
- http://www.sheeo.org/sites/default/files/publications/Public_Policy_Higher_Ed_Lingenfelter_Mingle_062014.pdf p. 33.
- https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/SB_0087_Line_Item_Veto.pdf (p.7)
- Moore, Joe (April 12, 2016). "Karen Humphrey: Fresno's First Woman Mayor To Celebrate League's 75th Birthday". Valley Edition. Fresno, California: Valley Public Radio. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
- Schlesinger, Paul (April 20, 2016). "Fresno's first female mayor says nation may be ready for woman president". Fresno Bee. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Dale Doig |
21st Mayor of Fresno 1989-1993 |
Succeeded by Jim Patterson |