PRESIDENT
Mary, Ruth Scifo and Cathy Johnson started the McHenry County Democratic Women because they knew more women were needed in elected positions. The best way to help, they believe, is to offer financial support. What was not expected was the amazing community that would grow out of the group, one where women lift each other up, share encouragement and find the courage to step forward and lead.

Currently the elected McHenry Township Accessor serving her fourth term, Mary decided to run for office because her view that there was a lack of public service in the community. She has run for, but did not win, positions for State Senate, State Representative and County Clerk. Mary knows first-hand how difficult – and how expensive – it is to run a campaign.

Mary looks forward to continuing to grow the organization, and increase the number of elected Democratic women from McHenry County.

VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER
Besides her involvement in McHenry County Democratic Women, Ruth is currently the Chair of the Democratic Party of McHenry County.  A Chicago transplant, she moved to Crystal Lake in 1995. Finding her children’s school overcrowded, she immediately got involved, joining a committee to pass a referendum for a new school and to fund improvements to existing buildings in Crystal Lake School District 47.  After its successful passage, she ran and served for 12 years on the D47 school board. 

Ruth’s political involvement began in earnest in 2016, and escalated after Donald Trump won his first term. She organized a bus trip for women headed to Washington D.C.’s first Women’s March, a local March for Our Lives rally, as well as other activist events, while serving in various positions in the local Democratic Party, eventually becoming Chair in 2024.  Seeing a need to support local women candidates led her to found, with Cathy Johnson and Mary Mahady, McHenry County Democratic Women.

A graduate of Roosevelt High School, and Loyola University of Chicago with a bachelors in political science, Ruth is semi-retired from her own bookkeeping business. She was the office administrator for a structural engineering firm for over 25 years. Active with a number of local charities, including the Service League of Crystal Lake, Ruth and her husband Joe, an architect have two adult kids, Nicole and Daniel, all are ardent Dems.

SECRETARY, DVM, retired
An Iowa native, Dr. Bishop moved to McHenry County in 1984. She founded and owned Animal Hospital of McHenry for 20-years. As a member of the Rotary Club of Crystal Lake since 1990, Mary is dedicated to community service. She serves on the board for her club, and in leadership for Rotary District 6440 and McHenry County Rotary Coalition. In 2024, Mary was proud to serve on Mary Mahady’s campaign for McHenry County Clerk. On the board of the McCDW since 2024, Mary is involved in all aspects of advocating and supporting women candidates for local government.

BOARD MEMBER, FOUNDING MEMBER
Over her many years as an educator in Chicago Public Schools, Lake County schools, and then the rural Riley School in Marengo, Cathy Johnson has been involved in the Democratic Party. Starting at age 10, she distributed election literature with her family. She has served as District 9 Chair of the McHenry County Democratic Party and is on the Executive Board. Cathy is passionate about helping people get elected to the McHenry County Board.

Meeting Ruth Scifo in 2016 became a catalyst for Cathy to collaborate in the creation of the McHenry County Democratic Women. That year, she attended the Washington, D.C. Women’s March with over 10,000 people. As an influencer and community leader, Cathy also collaborates with many other individuals and organizations to improve the quality and caliber of elected women in the region.

She lives in Marengo with her husband.

BOARD MEMBER
As an entrepreneur since her mid-twenties, Evie blends her passion for people with knowledge and expertise in business leadership to help individuals reach new pinnacles. Serving McCDW as a board member, and communications chair, Evie brings her skills to remove obstacles and open up possibilities for the organization and its candidates. Her mindfulness with bottom-line focus uplifts and improves the organization’s communications, outreach and energy.

BOARD MEMBER, EVENTS and VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Political activism began when Julie was a junior in high school. At that time, she with a group of students, presented a petition to Senator Charles Percy.  Since then, Julie has participated in many campaigns at the local and federal level as a volunteer. Julie has worked for a local state representative, serving the public as a legislative liaison. Additionally, Julie has planned many community-based events, including debate watching parties as well as candidate meet and greets. Julie has been on the board of directors for more than three years and serves as the events coordinator and the volunteer coordinator. 

BOARD MEMBER
Raised in Wisconsin, Pat met her Illinois Boy at college in Minnesota. She was a middle school science teacher for 21 years in Huntley, but became burned out at age 45. Starting a custom embroidery shop in her family room, Pat then moved the business to Marengo and added screen-printing services. 

After running HyperStitch for 21 years, she sold the business and is enjoying an active retirement in both the enviromental and political areas. 

Pat started Paddle the Kish in Marengo, motivating 100 volunteers to clear a paddling path through 14 miles of the Kishwaukee River in McHenry County. She is an active volunteer with the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County; on the Water and Natural Resources Action Team for rivers, solar and native gardening. 

In 2018, Pat joined the active Democrats in McHenry County when Lauren Underwood first ran for State Representative.  Currently she is Chair of District 8 in the northwest half of McHenry County.  She joined McCDW when Cathy Johnson asked her to attend the first board meeting in August of 2021. 

Pat lives in Marengo and loves meeting and working with neighbors to help our county be the best it can be.  

BOARD MEMBER
More than 18-years of experience in sales, marketing and education, Natalie is a business development professional with passion. Her focus on community service is evident in her years as a member of the Woodstock Rotary Club, and volunteer/advocate for End Alzheimer’s. Natalie was elected to serve on the Woodstock City Council, where she demonstrates her commitment to residents and businesses.

Actively involved in all events and activities of McCDW, Natalie brings fresh energy, creativity and excitement to the organization.