Cllr Jenkins accepted the position of civic head at the council’s Annual General Meeting at Penallta House on Thursday.
She said: “I am humbled by the faith and support shown to me by my fellow councillors and am very proud to accept the position as Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough.
“I look forward to the year ahead and will strive to represent the residents of the area with diligence and dignity.”
The Crumlin councillor was born in Six Bells into a mining family. Having left school at 15, she went on to pursue training in the field of nursing, which she dedicated her career to in various nursing roles right up until her retirement.
Elected as a councillor in 2004, she has served on several committees, including health and social care, sustainable development, audit, policy and resources, biodiversity and regeneration.
Cllr Jenkins’ chosen charity for the forthcoming year is Llamau, which delivers services to socially excluded homeless and potentially homeless young people and vulnerable women in South Wales.
She is hoping to raise as much money as possible for this very worthy cause, and is keen to ensure that money raised within the county borough, should benefit those in the county borough.
The Deputy Mayor was announced as Cllr Margaret Sargent, who represents Penyrheol ward.