Murfreesboro, TN - Shawn McGowan has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the Rutherford County Commission, District 15, in the 2026 election.

McGowan is the Chief Financial Officer for Whitsell Corporation. A certified public accountant, he holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Villanova University and an MBA from Oklahoma State University. With more than 30 years of experience in financial oversight, budgeting, and risk management, McGowan says he’s running to bring fiscal accountability, responsible growth, and practical solutions to the county’s waste challenges.

“I never expected to run for public office,” McGowan said. “But when I learned that Middle Point Landfill was seeking to expand for another 50 years — and saw how that could impact our community — I felt called to get involved. We need leaders who will listen to residents, protect our quality of life, and make data-driven decisions for the future of Rutherford County.”

McGowan’s priorities include diverting waste away from the Middle Point Landfill by expanding recycling and improving local waste management, as well as ensuring sound fiscal oversight.

“We can strengthen our local economy, protect our AAA bond rating, and still invest in smarter ways to handle waste,” McGowan said. “Expanding recycling and landfill diversion programs just makes sense — it saves taxpayer dollars, reduces environmental risks, and helps build a cleaner, more efficient future for our county.”

He also believes that Rutherford County must pursue growth that helps to pay for itself, ensuring new development contributes its fair share to infrastructure, schools, and public safety.

“Responsible growth means planning ahead, protecting our resources, and being good stewards of taxpayer money,” he added. “That’s what I’ve spent my career doing, and that’s what I’ll bring to the Commission.”

McGowan and his wife, Laura, a teacher at Providence Christian Academy, have been married for nearly 30 years. They have two adult children — Meghan, a teacher in the Rutherford County school system, and Ryan, who works for Frito-Lay in Georgia. McGowan is also an active member of The Experience Community Church in Murfreesboro.