Recalling the Three Notable Women Who Have Led Jupiter as Mayor

By Eric Weiss

Jupiter has a proud history of women in leadership, beginning with the trailblazing Marie K. Cross. In 1949, Cross made local history when she was elected to the Jupiter Town Commission, notably defeating her own son-in-law, W.R. “Scope” Albright — a bold move that reflected both her determination and political savvy. Two years later, in 1951, she broke another barrier by becoming Jupiter’s first female mayor, serving three consecutive terms until 1956. During her time in office, Cross focused on strengthening town infrastructure and encouraging civic participation, helping to lay the foundation for Jupiter’s future growth.

Following in her footsteps was Mary D. Hinton, who served as mayor from 1980 to 1990. Hinton brought a collaborative leadership style and was a strong advocate for preserving the town’s natural beauty while encouraging smart growth. Her decade in office saw increased public participation in town planning and a push for greater environmental awareness, which laid the groundwork for Jupiter’s focus on sustainable development.

Former Mayor Karen J. Golonka

The third woman to hold the office was Karen J. Golonka, whose remarkable 25-year tenure from 1991 to 2016 made her one of the longest-serving mayors in Florida. Under Golonka’s leadership, Jupiter experienced significant growth, but she remained committed to protecting the town’s unique character. She was instrumental in the development of key community spaces like the Riverwalk, Harbourside Place, and various park improvements. Golonka championed transparency in local government and maintained strong relationships with both residents and businesses.

Together, these three women have left a lasting legacy in Jupiter. Their leadership helped shape the town’s identity, blending progress with preservation and proving that women could lead effectively at every stage of Jupiter’s development.