Councillor Sheila Cowen has been appointed as Rotherham’s new First Citizen.
At the Council’s Annual Ceremonial Meeting on Friday 17th May, Councillor Cowen became the 119th Mayor of Rotherham – following in the footsteps of the previous Mayor, Councillor Robert Taylor and Rotherham’s first-ever Mayor, John Matthew Habershon, who held the position between 1871 and 1872.
The new Mayor of Rotherham served in the Royal Air Force during her teenage years before pursuing a passion for education, studying at university and working as a teacher for 27 years focusing on special needs.
She has been a Borough Councillor since 2021 and represents the Wath Ward.
The Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Sheila Cowen, said: “I am bursting with pride to serve the people of Rotherham as Mayor. My background serving in the military and working as a teacher has given me the discipline to approach this role with confidence.
“Over the coming year, I am looking forward to representing the Borough at events. I want to be out there speaking with local residents and supporting communities.”
The Mayor will support charities during her term of office – Help 4 Homeless Veterans, The Rotherham Hospice Trust, The Common Lands of Rotherham Charity and Roundabout Ltd.
Councillor Sheila Cowen has served as the Deputy Mayor for the last 12 months, a role which has now been taken by Councillor Rukhsana Haleem.