Former Mayor Carrie Tergin talks about her female predecessor.

As Jefferson City celebrates its bicentennial, there are many pivotal firsts to reflect upon. Among the most significant firsts is the story of Jefferson City’s first Capitol building — a cornerstone of Jefferson City’s journey as the capital city of Missouri.

Within the nearly 200 years of Jefferson City’s history, only two women have held the esteemed position of mayor, breaking barriers in a role traditionally dominated by men and leaving lasting legacies that continue to inspire future generations.

The first woman mayor, Louise Gardner, served from 1987 to 1995. She grew up in Kirksville, Missouri, until she graduated high school and then attended Moberly Junior College and the University of Missouri – Columbia before earning a bachelor of science degree from Northeast Missouri State University with majors in social science, art, and humanities. She also later earned a masters of arts degree in administration from Northeast Missouri State University.

Louise’s first career was being a teacher, teaching at various elementary, middle, and secondary schools in Moberly, Brookfield, and Salisbury, Missouri, as well as at Moberly Area Junior College.

When Lousie and her husband, Paul, moved to Jefferson City, she not only helped shape the capital city but also highlighted the strength, determination, and unique leadership women bring to public service. She was known for her strong support of the community beginning with her early days on Jefferson City’s City Council and for her daring spirit, like when she jumped out of an airplane. Louise served on many different boards, committees, clubs, associations, and was even selected as a Most Influential Woman by Mid-Missouri Magazine in 1991. She also spoke at a National Republican Convention for George H.W. Bush as President and received a National Bicentennial Committee Award at an American Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

During her second term, Louise managed some of her toughest obstacles, one of them being the Flood of 1993. The Missouri River flooded Jefferson City with a record of 38.6 feet of water — leaving up to 10-foot craters in major roadways, displacing hundreds of people, and causing the city $3 billion in damages.

“I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t seen it,” Louise said during an interview with KRCG as she stood atop Highway 54 watching the water rush beneath the overpass. “I just can’t believe the water and the strength the water has had against this concrete and the bridges; it’s impossible.”

During her time in office, Louise also encountered and overcame challenges unique to women in leadership. She demonstrated that women in leadership are multifaceted, balancing careers, families, hobbies, and personal passions. Louise acknowledged that it sometimes wasn’t easy to gain support from her male counterparts for ideas she initially proposed, yet she adapted by refining her strategies and pushing forward.

Louise led with a blend of determination, empathy, and kindness, showing that people in leadership can be both strong and caring. She believed in lifting people up and encouraging others, particularly women, to pursue their goals without letting societal limitations define them. Leading with faith in her decisions, she not only succeeded as mayor but also set an example of how women can achieve greatness with grace and resilience.