O’Nan Receives Nationwide Disaster Leadership Award

Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan was recognized Thursday for outstanding leadership during two major disasters in her city. A massive EF4 tornado hit Mayfield in 2021, killing 24 and damaging or destroying more than 1,300 homes and almost every business in the city. In 2023, nearly a foot of rain fell in the city in just 24 hours.

Mayor O’Nan received the Tommy Longo Disaster Leadership Award at the 2024 KLC Women in City Government Summit in Lexington. She is the second award recipient, which was created and presented by LeadersLink, a nonprofit that helps communities prevent, prepare for, and recover from crises.

Leaders from around the country were nominated, and a panel of judges chose Mayor O’Nan after learning of her work and dedication to see her city restored.

LeadersLink Founder and Executive Director Kathleen Koch presented the award named after late Waveland, Mississippi, Mayor John “Tommy” Longo for his work leading his city’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina. “As disasters become more frequent and severe, leaders like Mayor O’Nan are a brain trust for those who follow,” Koch said. “Sharing what disaster veterans like her have learned can help speed the recoveries of other communities struggling after major disasters.”