Councilwoman Dr. Paula McCraney, a 30-year resident of the City of St. Matthews, is recognized for her unwavering commitment to service and has built a career rooted in leadership, policy development, and civic engagement.
She was elected to the Louisville Metro Council in 2018 to represent District 7 and re-elected in 2022, serving 30,000 residents. She serves on the Metro Council Government Oversight and Audit Committee and the Economic Development Committee and is Vice Chairwoman of the Parks and Sustainability Committee.
Additionally, Councilwoman McCraney co-chairs the Women's Caucus and previously served as President Pro-Tempore and Majority Caucus Chairwoman in 2023 and 2024.
With a lifelong commitment to service, Dr. Paula McCraney embodies the principle that "to whom much is given, much is required."
Community Boards & Commissions
Councilwoman McCraney represents the Council on key community boards and commissions:
Louisville Economic Development Alliance (LEDA)
Equity in Procurement Task Force
Juneteenth Commission
Jefferson County Clerk's Office Voter Outreach Art Contest
Education
The path to earning a Doctor of Education from Spalding University was marked by several educational milestones:
Ed.D., Spalding University
M.A. in Business Management and Leadership, Webster University
B.S. in Business Administration, Oklahoma State University
Leadership Development Programs:
Focus Louisville (Class of 1997)
Leadership Louisville (Class of 1999)
Bingham Fellows Program (Classes of 2001 and 2025)
Courier-Journal Newspaper Forum Fellowship (2009)
Leadership Kentucky (2020) – Lisa Murrell Award recipient
Entrepreneur, Strategist, and "Mad Hatter"
Dr. McCraney's diverse work experience includes a 10-year career in the banking industry. She began her financial career as a branch manager and loan officer, then climbed the corporate ladder into commercial lending and the role of Vice President of Retail Banking.
Paula applies her banking experience as the owner of two businesses:
P Mc & Associates Management Consultant – As a management consultant, Dr. McCraney is a business strategist with over 30 years of experience helping companies drive growth and maximize profitability. She transforms how business owners operate and recommends that they incorporate social responsibility into their business portfolios, considering the impact their decisions have on profit, people, and the planet. She has advised numerous companies on strategic planning, marketing, and organizational development. She conducts leadership and change management workshops, serves as an executive coach, and is a highly sought-after public speaker.
The Traveling Boutique – As a boutique owner, Paula uses her creative right brain to design one-of-a-kind fascinators and hats. Her millinery skills have earned her the nickname "Mad Hatter" for her over-the-top styles. Her hats have been featured at RAW Artist events and on numerous trade shows, talk shows, and newscasts.
Awards and Recognition
Kentucky Colonel (Commissioned)
Adult Black Achiever
Honorary Captain, Belle of Louisville
Distinguished Citizen Award, City of Louisville
Community Service Award, Kentucky Senate
Congressional Honor for Outstanding Community Service
Woman of the Year, Business and Professional Women/River City
Business and Professional Award, Louisville Defender Newspaper
Black History Month Community Service Award, Louisville Metro Council
Business First Forty Under 40
Landmarks of Excellence Award, PRSA
Peak Performance Award, PNC Bank
Employee Performance Award, Jefferson County Clerk's Office
Kiahna W. Davis Entrepreneur of the Year Award, AKA (2024)
Most Admired Woman 2024, Public Service Category
Community Leadership
Paula's love for her community is reflected in her extensive volunteer work:
President, Business and Professional Women/River City
President, Windhurst Acres Homeowners Association
President, National Council of Negro Women/Louisville Section
Two-term Executive Board Member, NCNW National (Washington, D.C.)
Director of Women's Ministry, St. Stephen Church (7 years)
Licensed Minister of the Gospel (2018)
Life member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Life member, National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
Family
Mrs. McCraney has been married for 39 years and has two adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grand dogs.
Join Team McCraney
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