From women’s crisis work to public leadership in Washtenaw County
Catherine McClary is widely remembered for her long career in Washtenaw County government, but Holly’s archive materials also document an earlier chapter of her life that is especially relevant to the history preserved by Women Who Changed History.
McClary began her public service career in 1974, when she was elected to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners at just 22 years old.
According to a memorial statement from the Michigan Association of County Treasurers, she became the youngest person elected to the board and went on to serve for 14 years.
During that period, her work extended beyond county government.
Advocacy for Women and Communities of Color
The same memorial statement describes McClary as an advocate for the rights of women and communities of color.
It also documents her work as a counselor and trainer at a women’s crisis center and identifies her as a co-author of the publication Freedom from Rape.
Those details place her early career within a wider period of organizing and advocacy around sexual violence, women’s rights, and institutional reform.
For this archive, that connection is significant.
It shows how the women involved in reform movements of the 1970s often carried those values into other areas of public life, government, law, education, and community leadership.
A Career That Continued for Decades
McClary was elected Washtenaw County Treasurer in 1997 and remained in that role for 27 years.
Later memorials from professional organizations describe her as an advocate, teacher, mentor, and resource to colleagues in public finance.
The Government Finance Officers Association also noted her role in professional development, treasury and investment management, and public-sector innovation.
She was also recognized for helping others develop professionally and for sharing her knowledge across local, state, and national networks.
Connecting Advocacy and Public Service
Catherine McClary’s story demonstrates that social reform can take many forms.
Her early work with women’s advocacy and crisis services was followed by decades in elected office and public finance.
While those fields may appear very different, the surviving memorials consistently describe themes of fairness, accountability, education, advocacy, and public service throughout her career.
That continuity is one reason her story belongs in this archive.
From the Archive
This article is based on materials provided in Holly’s archive, including:
- Michigan Association of County Treasurers, Statement on the Passing of Washtenaw County Treasurer Catherine McClary
- Government Finance Officers Association, Remembering Catherine McClary
- Michigan CLASS, In Loving Memory of Catherine McClary
- Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, statement on Catherine McClary’s passing
