Pamn Henderson Seeks Third Term as Callaway Mayor Unopposed

by Janet Pattison
Photo provided by Mayor Henderson Photo provided by Mayor Henderson

CALLAWAY, FL - In a town where the sense of community runs deep, Mayor Pamn Henderson is poised to secure her third term in office unopposed. With a long history of public service, a commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility, and a focus on addressing community needs, Henderson's candidacy stands unchallenged in the upcoming election.

A Legacy of Service

Pamn Henderson has been an integral part of Callaway's governance for nearly a decade. She first assumed office as a Callaway Commissioner in May 2012 and later ascended to the position of Mayor in October 2017. Henderson's roots in Callaway run deep, having moved to the city in May 1993 with her husband, a retired member of the United States Air Force. Her family's ties to the area date back even further, with her parents settling in Callaway in 1973 after her father's Air Force retirement.

A proud alumna of Florida State University Panama City, Henderson graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Her professional journey led her to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), initially in public accounting and eventually serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Panama City Airport for an impressive 16 years.

Championing Military Support and Community Engagement

Given her 40-year experience as a military dependent, Henderson has been a fervent supporter of the armed forces. She maintains a strong rapport with Tyndall Air Force Base representatives and played a pivotal role in the construction of the Wall of Honor at Veteran's Park, a tribute to the city's military heroes.

Her affiliations further demonstrate her dedication to community service, holding positions such as Chair of the Bay County Transportation Planning Organization, President of the Bay County League of Cities, and Chair of the Florida Insurance Assistance Interlocal Agency, among others.

Recognitions and Awards

Pamn Henderson's contributions have not gone unnoticed. She received the Disaster Response Hero Award in 2019, was a finalist for the 2020 Remarkable Woman Award, and earned the 2020 Northwest Florida League of Cities' P.C. Wu Municipal Official of the Year Award. In 2021, she was honored as the Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged Local Elected Official of the Year.

Prioritizing Fiscal Responsibility and Infrastructure

Henderson's spending priorities reflect her commitment to managing costs and maintaining the lowest ad valorem rate in Bay County. She emphasizes providing competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain quality staff while investing in necessary equipment for efficient city operations.

Addressing infrastructure concerns, Henderson highlights ongoing projects like the Cherry Street Drainage and Paving project, albeit delayed due to external issues, and the Sandy Creek Water and Sewer Rehab, fully funded by a CDBG-DR grant. Lift station rehabilitation is also on her agenda to ensure the city's essential services are robust.

Addressing Crime and Community Needs

Crime prevention remains a top priority for Callaway, which contracts with the Bay County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement. Henderson's leadership has contributed to a low crime rate, fostering a sense of safety among residents.

Acknowledging the importance of education, the city collaborates closely with Callaway Elementary School. While lacking public community centers, recent upgrades to city parks have introduced new playground equipment and amenities, including all-inclusive features catering to individuals of all abilities.

(Bay County Coastal does not endorse candidates.)