SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Cathleen Galgiani (D-Livingston) has selected Merced County Supervisor Kathleen Crookham of Merced as Woman of the Year for the 17th Assembly District. Eighty women, one from each Assembly District in the state, are selected annually. Galgiani selected Supervisor Crookham for her continuing and significant contributions to her community.

“Kathleen Crookham has served her community as an outstanding educator, community leader and visionary for several decades. I have had the opportunity to work closely with her on local issues such as the UC Merced, the Merced Theatre and the Railroad Crossings Task Force”, said Assemblymember Galgiani, “She has been an inspiration to me as I know she has to many others throughout the years. I admire Kathleen’s vision, tenacity and commitment to the Merced community, and am very proud to nominate her as Woman of the Year for the 17th Assembly District.”

Supervisor Crookham was recognized today during a special session of the Legislature, during which she was presented with a Resolution honoring her numerous contributions and years of service to her community and the State.

“I am deeply honored that Cathleen named me to be included with women throughout the state being recognized today for their contributions to our State,” Crookham said after the ceremony in the Assembly chamber, “The ceremony was unbelievable and made me proud to be a resident of Merced and a citizen of this great State and of the United States.”

Kathleen Crookham has been a member of the Merced County Board of Supervisors since she was first elected in 1996 and is currently Chairwoman of the Board. She has been very instrumental in the development of the University of California at Merced and was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to the Board of the Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley. Supervisor Crookham has led the effort to preserve the Old Merced County Library and is a founding member and Chairwoman of the Merced Theatre Foundation.

Crookham previously served as a teacher and school administrator for 31 years. She was the first woman in 30 years to be selected as principal of Ada Givens Elementary School. She was also the first woman to serve as President of the Merced Rotary Club.
Ms. Crookham was born in Merced and raised on a ranch east of Planada which she still owns and operates. She is the proud parent of three grown children, Todd Crookham, Daniel Crookham and Julie Crookham Seifert, and particularly enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren.
Ms. Crookham has been the recipient of many awards in her long and varied career, including:
Letus Wallace Award, Merced County Historical Society, 2001
Athena Award, Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce, 2001
Associate of the Year, Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce, 2000
Merced AAUW Fellowship gift in the name of Kathleen Crookham, 1997
Honored by Merced County Women's History Month
Honored by Merced Business and Professional Women
Twice named Merced School Administrator of the Year
Three times lead Hoover Middle School to the California Distinguished School Designation
Past President, Association of California School Administrators, Region IX
Past President, Merced-Mariposa Retired Teachers Association
National Athena Award