With the coming of the new millennium, history was made in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. For the first time since the city’s founding, one hundred ninety-three years ago, an African American and female, Marcia L. Fudge, was elected Mayor.

After graduating from Shaker Heights High School, Marcia received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Ohio State University, in 1975. Always seeking opportunities for enrichment, Marcia received a J.D. from Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University in June 1983.

Professionally, Attorney Fudge, has had many diverse employment experiences including private industry, the cities of Cleveland and Bedford, Cuyahoga County, the State of Ohio and the Congress of the United States of America. Each professional position has helped prepare Marcia L. Fudge for her new role as mayor. As law clerk, she honed her writing and legal research skills, which prepared her for her visiting judgeship. She put her business skills to work in the county as Director-Personal Property Tax, Deputy County Auditor of the Estate Tax Department, Director of the Cuyahoga County Budget Commission, Director of Budget & Finance-Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office, and most recently as Chief of Staff for U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

A dedicated public servant Marcia has among other attributes; listening skills, sensitivity to others, ability to recognize and accept good counsel, decisiveness, flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor. Mayor Fudge has been well schooled: as a solo law practitioner, as Visiting Referee and Acting Judge she observed, thought, and acted in accordance with her best judgment. These characteristics helped make Marcia a success in her civic endeavors, including: Boards – Cleveland Public Library, Alcoa Aluminum and Judge Lloyd O. Brown Scholarship Committee.
Mayor Fudge gathers strength from her church, The Glenville Church of God. She has modeled her life after her mother, Marian Saffold, and practices the principles of the sorority she currently serves as Immediate Past National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“You should defend those who cannot help themselves. You speak for the poor and needy and see that they get justice.”

Proverbs 31:8-9