Jeanne Blackistone Dorsey was elected as one of Leonardtown's Town Commissioners in 1968, the first woman elected to public office in St. Mary's County. She served two consecutive two-year terms in that office while holding the position of Leonardtown's first female police commissioner. She also served for two years as vice-chair of the Southern Maryland Municipal League and as a member of the Board of Parks and Recreation of St. Mary's County. She was the 2nd wife of Maryland Governor Marvin Mandel.