Seven individuals have now filed to run in the 2020 City Commission race this November. Deborah Fillman filed last week and said she believes her years of experience will make her a competitive candidate in this year’s election.
Under Fillman’s leadership as Public Health Director for the Green River District Health Department, the agency was one of 60 health departments across the United States to achieve National Public Health Accreditation.
“I oversaw an approximately $15 million budget and led a staff of nearly 200,” she said.
Incumbents Larry Maglinger and Jeff Sanford have filed to run for city commission again, while incumbents Pamela Smith-Wright and Larry Conder have filed to run in the mayoral election.
Meanwhile, former City Commissioner Bob Glenn has filed, along with newcomers Deanna Endicott-Smith, former Owensboro Police Department Sergeant Mike Walker, and former Owensboro Public Schools educator with Walter Lee.
Four City Commission seats are available.
Fillman’s resume ranges in experience, from leading a regional public health agency to chairing a national foundation. Most recently, she served as development director for the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
After graduating from Western Kentucky University with her master’s degree, she went on to lead several professional organizations, serving as chair of the Diabetes Care and Education Practice Group, president of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and chair of the AADE Research and Education Foundation.
Her career has also led to her involvement with a variety of state and local organizations, such as the Kentucky Health Department Association, Foundation for a Healthy KY, Impact 100 Owensboro Board, Western Kentucky University Alumni Board, and the Western Kentucky University-Owensboro Campus Advisory Committee.
“I believe my experience in leading a public agency, working with the public, and overseeing a large budget will be an asset in helping lead the city and community in a positive direction,” she said.
The deadline to file to run in the 2020 Owensboro City Commission election is June 2.
