Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday tapped veteran trooper Marian McGovern to be the first female leader of the Massachusetts State Police, promoting a 30-year veteran who was among only a dozen women in the agency when she began her career.“She has done just about every job in the state police,” Patrick said of his pick yesterday. “She is very well-prepared and very well-regarded.”
McGovern, 55, of Millbury, goes from second-in-command to top cop on Dec. 16, replacing Col. Mark Delaney.
McGovern said she was “on cloud nine” over the new post but also acknowledged the significant financial challenges the force faces in the coming months and years. She said, however, that she is ready to meet those challenges.
“I know and I certainly understand we have a tough road ahead of us,” she said. “I think that is when leadership needs to take a stand.”
Delaney recalled how there were no female troopers on the job when he began 35 years ago. Now, McGovern is among 173 women on the 2,250-trooper force.
Senate President Therese Murray praised the move.
“Like so many other superintendents before her, she worked her way up the ranks,” Murray said.
UPDATE: More from the Globe and Herald.
SECOND UPDATE: More from the Herald and Globe.