(UPDATE: April 24, 2024):
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Sharon Tucker was sworn in as the new mayor of the City of Fort Wayne.
Tucker was sworn in by Karl Bandemer who is returning to the position of deputy mayor.
Tucker is the first Black female mayor in Fort Wayne’s history. Most recently, she served as executive director of Vincent House, Inc., in addition to being the City Councilwoman for Fort Wayne’s 6th District, a position she held from 2020-2024 as the first Black female to hold that position. Tucker was also elected as 1st District Councilwoman on Allen County Council in 2014 and was re-elected to a second term in 2018 as the first Black female to hold that position as well.
The City released the following on Tuesday:
Tucker’s community engagement is extensive. She’s a proud member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, AVOW (Advancing Voices of Women) and the NAACP. Tucker has also volunteered on the board of directors for the Allen County Public Library, Alliance Health Clinic, and SEED.
In 2021, Tucker founded and launched Project Activate SouthEast Fort Wayne (P.A.S.E.). P.A.S.E. is an entrepreneurial training and pitch competition designed to help entrepreneurs start their businesses and spur economic development in southeast Fort Wayne.
In 2012, Tucker formed the ‘Women in Politics Forum,’ an annual forum focusing on empowering, engaging, and educating women on the importance of being involved in the political process.
“I’m honored and humbled to be mayor of the City of Fort Wayne. It’s a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I’m committed to doing all I can to be the best mayor possible to meet the needs of our wonderful community,” said Mayor Tucker. “I look forward to meeting with City employees over the coming days and weeks to get updated on the projects and initiatives that are being worked on to help move Fort Wayne forward. I’m excited to be in the position that I’m in to make a positive and lasting difference for our residents, neighborhoods, and businesses.”
A graduate of Indiana Tech, Tucker holds two Bachelors of Science degrees in Management and Human Resources.
Bandemer, who had served as acting mayor since the passing of the late Mayor Tom Henry, was sworn in today to serve as deputy mayor, again. Bandemer held the position of deputy mayor from October 2013-March 2024 before becoming acting mayor.
A statement from the Henry family in support of Mayor Sharon Tucker:
The Henry family offers our warmest congratulations to Mayor Sharon Tucker as today she was sworn in as Mayor of our beloved City. As a friend of our family for many years, we have the upmost faith and confidence in Sharon’s leadership and commit to supporting her administration in the years ahead. We also know of her unyielding support of our late Mayor, Tom Henry, and look forward to watching as she grows Tom’s initiatives while forging her own path for Fort Wayne. We know that Tom and Cindy join us in cheering for you, Mayor Tucker, as we keep moving Fort Wayne forward, together.
(UPDATE: April 23, 2024):
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Fort Wayne’s mayor-elect will be sworn in at 11:30 this morning. Sharon Tucker will take over the role after the death of longtime Mayor Tom Henry.
She was elected Saturday in a Democratic Party caucus. Her inauguration will be at the Clyde Theatre and is open to the public.
The public is invited to the swearing-in ceremony of Sharon Tucker as the new Mayor of Fort Wayne on Tuesday, April 23…
Posted by City of Fort Wayne Government on Monday, April 22, 2024
WHAT: Swearing in of Sharon Tucker as the new mayor of the City of Fort Wayne
WHEN: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23
WHERE: Clyde Theatre, 1808 Bluffton Rd.
The event is open to the public. The event will also be streamed here for those who cannot attend. An ASL interpreter will be present at the event.
ORIGINAL STORY:
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Sharon Tucker will be Fort Wayne’s mayor through the end of 2027.
She succeeds the late Tom Henry, who died from cancer on March 28th. Tucker was selected in a Democratic Party caucus on Saturday after two hours of voting.
She says she wants to continue Henry’s work to move the city forward.
Read more here
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