SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma presented the Woman of the Year award for the 12th Assembly District to Marie Brooks. In 1971 Brooks became the first woman ever appointed as a Chevrolet dealer in the United States. Brooks, who has been a San Francisco resident since 1946, currently serves as the President of Ellis Brooks Chevrolet in San Francisco where she continues to provide tremendous service to not only her customers, but also the community.

Throughout her career, Brooks served on numerous state boards and commissions including the YMCA, Salvation Army, Small Business Administration, California New Motor Vehicle Board, and the San Francisco Airport Commission. She was also the first woman to serve on the board of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Brooks was the founding member of the Western Women’s Bank, later known as Golden Gate Bank, and served as chair of the Board for 7 years.

Despite her long list of accomplishments Brooks cites her family as her most important accomplishment in life. “My greatest achievement was having and raising three wonderful children and one grandson, all with outstanding sensitivity, integrity, and dependability,” said Brooks.

Each March, the Assembly commemorates Women’s History Month through a ceremony in which each state legislator chooses an extraordinary woman in his or her district for special recognition. Honorees participate in a ceremony, hosted by the Legislative Women’s Caucus, on the assembly floor and spend the day with legislators.