Frances McMullan is now the Ypsilanti city manager.

Formerly the city clerk, she credits the Women’s Municipal Leadership Program for helping her build her confidence and giving her the skills she needed for this new leadership position.

Part of the League’s 16/50 Project, the Women’s Municipal Leadership Program provides coaching, networking, budgeting and economic development training for women who want to lead their communities. It’s sponsored in part by the MML Foundation, thanks to our generous donors.

During a webinar on the current state of women entering local government management, hosted by the International City/Council Management Association (ICMA), McMullen said the program gave her the push she needed to take on the new role.

“I had been an interim [city manager] twice, and my confidence level wasn’t where it should be,” McMullan said. “After this class, I was afforded another opportunity and I was chosen for that top position.”

She is the second woman to have earned a leadership role in her community after graduating from the Women’s Municipal Leadership Program. McMullan also has three decades of experience in local government, a bachelor’s degree in public law and government/public administration and a graduate degree in management.

You can remove barriers and provide training so more women can lead their communities. Make a tax-deductible gift online or by check to the MML Foundation, 1675 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.