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Meet Melissa
County Executive Melissa Agard, a Dane County native, proudly hails from East High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A lifelong resident, Senator Agard is a single mom to four sons, residing on Madison's Northside.
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Before diving into politics, she owned a small business and worked in the private sector. Her care for the community and a vision for a better Wisconsin led her to public service and community activism.
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County Executive Agard began her journey in the State Assembly in November 2012 and is now in her fifth term in the Wisconsin State Legislature, elected to the State Senate in November 2020. She represented the 16th Senate District, covering a good chunk of the north, east, and south sides of Dane County, prior to her election as Dane County Executive.
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Throughout her career, County Executive Agard has been a staunch advocate for progressive legislation, from pushing for cannabis legalization to successfully addressing the sexual assault kit backlog. She's championed bills to boost wages, provide healthcare access for all Wisconsinites, and promote community equity. Moreover, she's worked across party lines to enact pragmatic legislation, like expanding mental health benefits, ensuring sexual assault victims receive justice, and improving street safety.
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In recognition of her leadership and dedication, her colleagues unanimously elected her as Senate Democratic Leader in November 2022. In November 2024 she was elected as the Dane County Executive in a special election.
Awards and Recognitions
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WEAC Friend of Education Award
Arc-Dane County - Elected Official of the Year
National Foundation of Women Legislators - Woman of Distinction
Citizen Action of Wisconsin - Achievement Award
Women in Government - State Director
Women in Legislative Leadership - State Director
Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin - Building Wisconsin Award
Wisconsin Conservation Voters - Conservation Champion
Will Pacesetter Award
Toll Fellowship - 2015
Public Service
Gompers Elementary School - PTO President
Make Room For Youth (MRFY) - Founding Member
Emerge Wisconsin - Board of Directors
Boy Scouts of America Glacier’s Edge Council - Board of Directors