Watch CBS News

Once All-Male Union League On Verge Of Having First Female President

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It looks as if the city's historic Union League is about to make history itself, by having the first woman president in its 148-year history.

But making history could seem like "been there, done that" for Joan Carter.  The president of the UM Holdings venture capital firm in Haddonfield, Carter was part of the first group of women even admitted to the private club 24 years ago.

But the Union League, in its stately building at Broad and Sansom Streets, has come a long way, with 500 female members now.  And Carter says, beyond its core value of patriotism, the club is what it's always been, just more so.

"It's obviously a place where leaders in our community are," she told KYW Newsradio on Monday.  "It's a place where they connect.  It's also probably become a place where multi generations can connect.  People bring their grandchildren; adults bring their parents."

Carter still has to win an election in a few days, but she expects to do so, saying that -- at least for this one-year term -- the best man for the job is a woman.

Reported by John Ostapkovich, KYW Newsradio 1060.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.