Owensboro native David Tandy encourages opportunity and connection during Rooster Booster speech
Owensboro native David Tandy returned home Thursday morning to deliver a message centered on opportunity and connection during his address at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Rooster Booster breakfast.
Tandy, a 1991 graduate of Owensboro High School, is a member of the Dentons Economic Development Group, where he focuses on public policy and community engagement. Previously, he served as president of the Louisville Metro Council, where he helped foster economic growth that led to multi-billion-dollar investments in the city.
Reflecting on his roots, Tandy expressed gratitude for the opportunities that shaped his career and emphasized the power of community support.
“This community gave me the opportunity to grow into the person that I am today,” Tandy said. “Great communities are those that provide opportunities – not just for those who grew up there, but also for those coming in. You open your arms to them, and you give them a chance to prosper.”
Tandy shared a personal story about his father, Samuel Tandy, a 1965 graduate of Owensboro High School. At a time when racial barriers were still prominent, then-Assistant Superintendent Joe Brown made a promise to Tandy’s father: If he earned a college degree, he would have a job waiting for him in Owensboro. Tandy said that commitment led to a middle-class career in education and ultimately helped shape Tandy’s own path.
“My dad was able to have a stable job, which meant he could be present in my life,” Tandy said. “That foundation allowed me to learn, to grow, and to eventually go out into the world with confidence.”
Drawing parallels between Owensboro and Louisville, Tandy highlighted their interconnectedness and stressed the importance of fostering unity rather than division.
“It’s easy to feel like we are divided, but often, we are simply disconnected,” he said. “We may not always agree on everything, and that’s okay. But we have to recognize that the success of one part of our community is tied to the success of all.”
Tandy also addressed broader societal challenges, acknowledging the current climate of polarization but urging people to seek common ground.
“Our country and our communities may feel like they are being pulled apart at the seams,” he said. “But in every crisis, there is both danger and opportunity. It is up to us to find that opportunity and ensure that the next generations have the same chances we did.”
He concluded with a promise to remain engaged with his hometown.
“Owensboro made me who I am,” Tandy said. “And whenever this community calls, know that I’m just a phone call away.”
Tandy’s remarks were met with appreciation from local leaders, reinforcing his message that fostering opportunity and maintaining strong community connections are essential for Owensboro’s continued growth.
By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times