Marquette Federation of Women’s Clubs elects new president
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MARQUETTE -- The Marquette Federation of Women's Clubs elected Warner Hocker as its president at its annual meeting on Oct. 21, marking the first time a man has been elected to lead the federation. Amy Cherrette, the organization's previous president, nominated Warner and he was elected unanimously.
"Warner has a gift with people and was chosen by his very kind, wise demeanor and (for being) one who advocates for everyone, especially the clubhouse," said Cherrette, who now serves as Fundraising Publicity Chair for the MFWC.
Past president Sue Madden was reelected treasurer and Luci Contois was reelected house chair. The board also expressed its deep appreciation to outgoing secretary Pam Grundstrom for her years of dedicated service to the federation.
Hocker intends to make preservation of the historic clubhouse a central focus of his presidency, emphasizing the building's significance to women's history and the history of Marquette. He also plans to continue developing the clubhouse's role as a public social hub, rental space for events and community gathering place for the federation's constituent clubs and the wider community.
Hocker said, "I am honored by the trust placed in me by the federation’s board, and hope to build on the successful foundation put in place by my predecessor, Amy Cherrette and all of the Federation members who have worked so tirelessly to improve the clubhouse and ensure that it continues to serve the needs of this community for years to come."
Hocker is an attorney and avid gardener who previously served as garden chair for the Federation. He will continue to oversee revitalization of the Clubhouse garden. He and his wife, Lorena Donnellan, moved to Marquette from Houston in 2020 and have developed a deep appreciation for the area and its community. Donnellan currently serves as president of Zonta Club of the Marquette area, one of the Federation's constituent clubs.
During her tenure as president, Cherrette led successful planning efforts for the clubhouse's fundraising, the 100 year centennial celebration in July and a new Legacy Wall featured in the clubhouse. She wishes to thank all the members, clubs and board members for their support, especially Pam Grundstrom, Sara Moyle, Art Anderson, Sue Madden, Jacy Madden, Luci Contois, Lake Superior piano workshop, Marquette Area Piano Teachers Association, Zonta of Marquette, Robert Buchkoe, Esther Barrington, Dan Arnold, Judy Ashby, AAUW Karen Rudisill, Jack Deo, Ann Fisher, Marquette Regional History Museum and L
