Susan Doman

Susan Doman served in the U.S. Navy from 1979 to 1985. Doman graduated from Fern Creek High School. Doman earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo in 1998 and a graduate degree from the Naval War College in 2011. Doman's career experience includes working as a consultant.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Louisville and grew up between Jefferson County and Meade County, with deep roots on my family farm in Stith Valley. After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and became the first woman from Kentucky to enter the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program. After my military service, I worked in nuclear energy, earned a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Toledo, and later joined the U.S. Foreign Service.

During more than two decades in public service, I worked on visa and immigration issues in Mexico, counternarcotics in Colombia, peacekeeping operations in Egypt and Israel, and nuclear nonproliferation in Vienna. I also earned a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, taught at the Army Command and General Staff College, and served as spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.

After retiring from the federal government, I returned home to Meade County. Since 2022, I have served on the Meade County Planning and Zoning Commission. My experiences in military, diplomatic, and local public service shaped my decision to run for the Kentucky House of Representatives.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Transparency and Accountability: I support greater transparency in government so residents can understand how tax dollars are spent and how major decisions are made. Significant development proposals should be discussed openly and early in the process so the public has a meaningful opportunity to review them, share concerns, and participate in decision-making. I do not believe elected officials should enter into nondisclosure agreements that limit transparency on matters of public interest. Government works best when officials are accountable to the people they represent.Affordability: I believe state government should focus on policies that help families manage the cost of living. That includes responsible use of tax dollars, support for good-paying jobs, and attention to the everyday expenses people face, including housing, utilities, groceries, and health care. I support practical solutions that strengthen local economies and help working families keep more of what they earn.Smart Growth: I support responsible growth that protects quality of life while planning for the future. Development decisions should take into account infrastructure, traffic, public safety, land use, environmental impact, and the long-term needs of the community. Growth should be managed in a way that benefits residents, respects local input, and preserves the character and resources of Meade County and Radcliff.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education: I support strong public schools and believe every child should have access to a quality education, regardless of zip code. That includes supporting teachers, maintaining safe and effective learning environments, and making sure schools have the resources they need to help students succeed. Education policy should prepare students for college, careers, military service, and other paths to opportunity.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Kentucky AFL-CIO