Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh (D) was elected to the first Louisville Metro Council in November 2002, re-elected in 2006 and again in 2010. Ward-Pugh currently Chairs the newly created Committee on Sustainability. She is also a member of the Government Accountability and Ethics Committee and the Public Safety Committee.
Known and respected for her bipartisan approach to problem-solving, Ward-Pugh’s leadership led to the unanimous adoption of a stronger Metro Louisville Code of Ethics after legislation stalled for nearly a year. Additionally, Ward-Pugh led the Metro Council to support a smoking ban in all public places, and was awarded “Public Policy Advocate of the Year” by Louisville Chapter of NAWBO for her work as well as Best Female Elected Official by Louisville Magazine.
Councilwoman Ward-Pugh is a passionate advocate for public parks, preservation of natural habitats as well as historic landmarks. A long time champion of social justice, Ward-Pugh was the primary sponsor for the creation of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the passage of the Fairness Ordinance guaranteeing equal rights to employment, housing and public accommodations for all Louisville citizens regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. These efforts resulted in Ward-Pugh’s receiving the Jefferson County Chapter of NASW “Social Worker of the Year” award.
Councilwoman Ward-Pugh has recently added environmental stewardship to her list of efforts in creating a truly sustainable community. She’s convened hundreds of local residents and business owners to create a Green Vision for the future, and developed a public/private partnership called Green Triangle to make the vision a reality. These efforts led to Ward-Pugh’s being recognized as Most Admired Political Woman by Today’s Woman magazine.
Councilwoman Ward-Pugh has a Masters degree in Social Work from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary majoring in non-profit administration, policy development and advocacy. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Belmont University. Ward-Pugh has been an active member of the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) and has served in several leadership positions within the membership arm of NFWL, the National Order of Women Legislators (NOWL). She served as Treasurer of NOWL from 2008-2010 and currently serves as Vice President. She is also currently Chair of NFWL's National Policy Committee on Business, Housing & Economic Development. She also is a member of the League of Women Voters.
updated 05/01/2012