FROM STAFF REPORTS

PELHAM – Cathy Cartagena, a longtime healthcare professional and respected community advocate, has officially qualified to run for Pelham City Council, Place 3, in the upcoming municipal election on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

If elected, Cartagena would be one of the only city council members in Alabama with formal experience in healthcare and public health. Currently, just one city in the entire state has a council member with this background.

“With decades of experience in healthcare and community leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how smart policy decisions improve lives,” Cartagena said. “I’m running because Pelham deserves leadership that protects our small-city values while planning boldly for a healthier, more inclusive future.”

Cartagena currently serves as a program manager for a statewide public health research initiative in Alabama, where she oversees multiple large-scale projects focused on health equity, access and community engagement. Her leadership experience includes managing nationwide initiatives, coordinating cross-sector partnerships and building sustainable wellness models for underserved populations.

Cartagena’s campaign is focused on four core priorities:

• Smart growth that keeps Pelham’s small-city feel: preserving what makes Pelham feel like home while preparing for responsible development and sustainable infrastructure.
• Health and well-being for all: using a public health lens to guide decisions around safety, access, aging, wellness and resilience.
• Access and equity: ensuring seniors, individuals with disabilities and underserved neighborhoods have a seat at the table.
• Local economic vitality: supporting small businesses, family-owned enterprises and young entrepreneurs with tools for long-term success.

Cartagena is also a well-known community leader serving on the boards of the Community of Hope Health Clinic, HICA, Fiesta BHAM, ACIJ and ELLA and collaborates actively with health and wellness organizations including CALA, AIDS Alabama, YMCA and faith-based organizations. Through her service, she has helped connect families with essential resources while fostering civic participation and wellness initiatives across Shelby County and the entire state.

Her campaign message—“Rooted in Community, Ready to Lead”—aims to reflect her commitment to listening deeply, acting transparently and working for every resident of Pelham.

“As I walk through our neighborhoods, I’m reminded that real progress happens when everyone is invited to the table,” Cartagena added. “When we are all in, we all win.”

The deadline to register to vote is Monday, Aug. 11. For more information about Cathy Cartagena’s campaign, visit Cathycartagena.com.