She was her high school valedictorian and the first female Tennessee House majority leader.  Kim McMillan is well-known throughout Tennessee.  In 2010, McMillan chose to give up higher political aspirations to come home to run for mayor of her hometown.  The fifth largest city in Tennessee, Clarksville has been home to Kim McMillan and her family most of her adult life and she served as the city’s state representative in Nashville for 12 years.  In 2006 she left the legislature to accept an appointment in Governor Phil Bredesen’s administration.

McMillan was among the most powerful women in Tennessee when she served as House Majority Leader, but these days prefers local politics. “Serving at the local level, you are able to impact the lives of people you see everyday,” said Kim McMillan. “Having a direct impact upon our people and our community is very important to me.”

A woman of firsts, McMillan not only made history as the first woman majority leader; she is the first woman mayor of Clarksville or of any of Tennessee’s five largest cities.  In 2009, McMillan considered breaking another glass ceiling by coming Tennessee’s first female governor, but her plans changed when the mayor’s seat became vacant in her hometown.

“I proactively sought the position of mayor,” said McMillan.  “People have to believe that you are running for election for the right reasons, and I am truly dedicated and committed to our community,” she added.

Fate dealt McMillan a blow that she faced with the same courage and positive spirit she has throughout her entire life.  Shortly after she took office in 2011, McMillan became ill and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  She held a press conference to announce her condition to the public.  “I’m not slowing down and not going to let this illness stop me from doing what I want to do,” said McMillan.  She missed just a couple of council meetings and only one week of work.

McMillan has developed a reputation as a tough politician, and her positive, fighting spirit is her strongest advantage as she battles the disease so she can continue serving as mayor, the job she loves.  “I want people to see you can continue to be the mayor, continue to live an active lifestyle even with certain types of chronic conditions,” said McMillan.

Kim McMillan is a triathlete and plans to participate in a triathlon next year.  “Whatever you set your mind to, said McMillan, you can accomplish.”

Click here to watch Kim McMillan talk about her illness.