Napa County Swears In First All-Woman Board of Supervisors

Napa County on Tuesday held a ceremonial swearing-in at Napa Valley College that resulted in the county’s first five-member Board of Supervisors composed entirely of women, officials said. The ceremony included remarks from elected officials, the oath of office for three newly elected supervisors and a public comment urging the board to uphold longstanding standards of respect.

The event opened with a presentation of colors by the Napa County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Joelle Gallagher, who identified herself in the ceremony as the District 1 supervisor and the current chair, called the gathering to order and introduced dignitaries and former supervisors in attendance. “I am the District 1 supervisor and the chair for, the present time,” Gallagher said as she presided over the ceremony.

Speakers framed the swearing-in as a historic milestone. An attendee in the program noted that, according to remarks during the ceremony, this is the first time in Napa County’s history that all five districts are represented by women and described it as only the second all-female county board in California. State Senator Chris Cabaldon praised the newly sworn supervisors as experienced and values-driven and said broader shifts in county leadership reflect changes at higher levels of government. “I couldn’t be more proud,” Cabaldon said.

Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, who also addressed the gathering, congratulated the board and encouraged them to begin their work promptly. “It’s truly an honor to be here on this historic occasion, to witness and to celebrate the swearing in of Napa County’s first all female board of supervisors,” she said.

Three supervisors took the oath of office during the ceremony. Elizabeth Alessio, Amber Manfry and Belia Ramos each repeated the statutory oath to support and defend the Constitutions of the United States and the State of California and to “well and faithfully discharge the duties” of their offices. Attendees applauded after each oath and speakers offered congratulations.

During a brief public-comment period, a commenter addressed the board about long-term public service and respectful conduct, recounting a prior campaign and urging the new supervisors to continue the county’s traditions. Chair Gallagher invited attendees to a reception in the lobby and noted that Napa County is marking its 175th anniversary this year.

The board, now seated, was described during the ceremony as beginning its formal duties at the next scheduled meeting. No votes or legislative actions were taken during the event.