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Patty Woodby is now officially Carter County’s first female mayor.
“I am ecstatic to have broken that glass ceiling of the first female mayor,” said Woodby. “I could not be prouder of that accomplishment not just for myself but for so many young girls in our community.”
Woodby said she wants to be a message of empowerment for young girls in the community. 
“I want to empower them to dream big and go after your goals no matter who says you can’t make it happen because you can,” she said. “Hard work, dedication and faith in my Lord is truly what got me to this position. “
Woodby said her love of Carter County and a desire to be involved in every aspect of the county’s future is what made her want to run in the first place. 
“I am humbled and excited for this new experience,” she said. “I am so proud to give our young children the opportunity to see that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.”
Woodby was appointed mayor during a special called meeting with the Carter County Commission earlier this week. She was one of five candidates commissioners voted on during the meeting, and ultimately won by 16 votes. She will finish out the late Mayor Rusty Barnett’s term of two years. 
“I want to say thank you to all our commissioners and community who worked hard on this appointment and the process that went along with it,” she said. “It did not go unnoticed. I am very appreciative of their hard work that lead to each one’s decision and I will not let you down.” 
Following her win, she stated she is open to their suggestions and collaboration moving forward. 
“I hope to receive input from all the candidates as I assume this role for the next two years because they are well informed, educated and share many of the same goals that I have for this county,” she explained.
In her new role as mayor, Woodby already has three goals in mind. 
The first pertains to the pandemic. Woodby hopes to help get the virus under control by encouraging citizens to wear masks and follow guidelines, as well as get the vaccine once it becomes available. 
Second, she plans to work on the Economic Development Department (and location) in collaboration with the City of Elizabethton; this will include recruiting and retaining jobs in the county. 
Lastly, she said she plans to work on education. One aspect of this Woodby said she is looking forward to is a collaboration with TCAT, Northeast State and the Carter County School System that involves getting a location for the CTE programs that includes classes many students must be bussed to. 
Woodby said that citizens of Carter County can expect a passionate leader who embraces change and a prospect of a better tomorrow. She also said she will have an open door policy. 
“I am a leader with a strong sense of faith, family and community. A leader with a clear vision for the future of Carter County and the fortitude to make that vision a reality,” she said. “I am proud to be your mayor and I will work hard for you.”