MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—March 1st, 2024, marks the 30th anniversary of Mary Ellen Withrow being sworn in as the 40th Treasurer of the United States. Withrow, a trailblazer in her own right, made history in 1969 as the first woman elected to the Elgin Local School Board of Education. She holds the unique distinction of being the first person to hold the office of treasurer at the local, state, and national levels.

Withrow’s signature appears on the most currency in U.S. history, totaling $1.1 trillion, earning her a place in the “Guinness Book of World Records.”

On Thursday, Withrow will be speaking to the students at Harding High School, her alma mater, and Pleasant High & Middle School. On Friday, March 1st, she will address the students at River Valley High and Middle School, and Elgin High and Middle School, where her political career began in 1969 as the first female member of the school board.

A reception in honor of Withrow will be held on Friday, March 1st, from 3:30-5 pm at Kingston Residence of Marion, located at 464 Jamesway. The event, open to the public, will be attended by several dignitaries. A video highlight package recounting Withrow’s career and swearing-in 30 years earlier will be shown. Withrow will also be giving the acceptance speech she gave 30 years ago to the day for the first time in 30 years.

Born Mary Ellen Hinamon on October 2, 1930, in Marion County, Ohio, Withrow attended Marion Harding High School, graduating in 1948. She married Norman Withrow several months later, and they went on to raise four daughters together. Withrow became active in her community during this time, leading the Red Cross swimming safety programs beginning in 1956. She also served as President of the Women’s Artisans Guild and later became President of Mothers of OSU Students.

Withrow ran for Marion County Treasurer in 1976, won, and secured reelection in 1980. During her second term as Marion County Treasurer, Withrow ran for Treasurer of the State of Ohio. The only woman in a seven-way Democratic primary, Withrow secured the nomination and was the only woman on the statewide Democratic ticket in 1982. She won and was reelected twice as Ohio Treasurer.

Withrow was nominated to be President Bill Clinton’s Treasurer of the United States and was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate in February 1994. She served as United States Treasurer from March 1st, 1994, until January 20, 2001.