The League of Women Voters of McLean County is honored to recognize Judy Buchanan as the 2025 recipient of its Florence Fifer Bohrer Award. The award celebrates individuals whose lives reflect the vision of Florence Fifer Bohrer—the first woman elected to the Illinois State Senate and a champion of civic responsibility and community service.
A Lifetime of Advocacy
For more than five decades, Judy has been at the forefront of mental health advocacy in McLean County and beyond. As a young woman, she visited county jails to learn firsthand about the treatment of inmates with mental illness—mirroring Florence Fifer Bohrer’s bold steps to investigate state mental institutions in the 1920s.
Her commitment was also personal: following her mother’s death at a young age from Alzheimer’s disease, Judy became a statewide advocate for research and treatment of the illness. Even today, she continues her work—most recently helping to organize focus groups to shape the revised McLean County Behavioral Health Action Plan.
Leadership in Action
Judy’s influence extends far beyond mental health, and includes the following:
Transit Access: For nearly 20 years, she has served on the Connect Transit Board, ensuring public transportation remains accessible to residents who rely on it most.
Public Health: She organized the restructuring of the McLean County Board of Health, strengthening its ability to serve community needs.
Civic Engagement: Judy has dedicated decades to political and issue-based campaigns, encouraging qualified candidates to run and supporting efforts to improve government at both the local and state levels.
Redefining Roles, Inspiring Change
As the wife of former Bloomington Mayor Rich Buchanan , Judy rejected the passive expectations often placed on the spouses of politicians. Instead, she redefined the role—advancing community transit awareness, engaging in political issues, and shaping the civic dialogue. Her leadership has always been active, thoughtful, and trailblazing.
A Lasting Legacy
In receiving the award, Judy said, “I just wanted to make a difference in the place we call home for it to be safer and healthier.” The Florence Fifer Bohrer Award recognizes leaders who embody the courage, persistence, and vision of its namesake.
In Judy Buchanan, the League sees exactly that: a woman whose unwavering dedication has improved mental health care, strengthened community services, and inspired civic participation. Her story serves as a reminder that lasting change comes not from a single act, but from a lifetime of dedicated service.
The League presented this award at the Fall Program on October 9, 2025, at the Bloomington Public Library. Congratulations Judy!