KALAMAZOO, MI -- Stephanie Moore made history Tuesday, becoming Kalamazoo County's first black chairwoman to lead the Board of Commissioners.

Constituents from Moore's district on the north side of the city of Kalamazoo rejoiced after the vote, celebrating their increased representation on the board. Moore's relatives even traveled from Atlanta to watch her appointment.

Moore draws inspiration by Eva Ozier, the county's longest-tenured commissioner, and the county's first black vice chairwoman. Ozier retired in 2006 but is remembered for serving disadvantaged constituents in District 1, an ideal Moore strives to emulate.

"As a black female growing up in Kalamazoo, I rarely saw images of people who look like me in public leadership positions," Moore said. "Those few women rarely rose higher than a certain level. Then I met the honorable Eva Ozier."

Ozier maintained her conviction to serve, despite being constantly overlooked for the chairperson's seat, Moore said. That was a real display of power, she said, but now Moore sits at the head of Kalamazoo County government.

The Democrat did it without the support of her party. All five other Democrats on the board voted for Commissioner Tracy Hall.

Kalamazoo County Chairwoman Stephanie Moore embraces Commissioner Tracy Hall after votes were cast Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. (Malachi Barrett | MLive.com)

Republicans were responsible for electing the county's first black female chairperson. Dale Shugars was then elected vice chairman, with support of five Republicans and Moore.

Last January, Moore supported Republican Dale Shugars' election to chair the 11-member board. It was a surprising turn of events for Democrats, considering they held their majority after the 2016 election.

Moore reached across the aisle to support Shugars for chairperson, on the condition that she serve as vice chairperson and learn under him for a year, then replace him with Republican support in 2018.

Jen Strebs, a Kalamazoo Township trustee, said hearing from constituents in Moore's district is a "critical compoenent" in improving the Kalamazoo community. However, she expressed concerns about Shugars, whose views are at odds with local progressives.

Shugars said Moore already had the experience necessary to serve -- she was a Kalamazoo City Commissioner from 2007 to 2014 and has been on the county board since 2015. After a year as vice chairwoman, Shugars said Moore gained the maturity to lead.

"The reason I voted for you wasn't because you are a female or African American," Shugars said. "I voted for you because I think it was your time ... You have the heart and spirit that all leaders should have. I look forward to very good things from you."

Commissioners expressed a desire to come together and leave party differences aside in the new year. None of the commissioners expressed dissatisfaction with Moore's ascention during the Tuesday meeting.

Moore plans to mentor Hall, who took pride in being the first openly gay nominee for chair, to ensure Hall would someday be ready to serve.

"I'm committed to making sure she can rise to the top," Moore said. "Having the time and tenure to learn form those experiences she's going to be a great leader."

Moore is particularly focused on improving the quality of life for underserved populations in the county.

Residents who addressed the board Tuesday were excited to have a stronger voice in county affairs. Moore hopes more members of her district feel empowered to participate in county meetings.

Northside Association for Community Development Director Mattie Jordan-Woods said growth near Kalamazoo's downtown is attracting attention. She and other residents said they are here to help the board advance its goals.

"This is an extroadinary opportunity for the most vulnerable in our community; this is where we unite," Moore said. "We can reduce poverty, we can increase economic development."

Bylaws state the chairperson is responsible for preparing the agenda and presiding over board meetings. The chair can appoint and remove committee members, with the board's support, and serves as the county's ceremonial representative.

The vice chairperson presides in the absence of the chairperson, helps set the agenda and serves as an ex-officio member of all board committees.