Shaping Boone County’s Future: A Conversation with Chet Hand

As Boone County continues to grow, the decisions being made today will shape the future of our community for years to come. From how we manage development to how we spend taxpayer dollars, leadership at the county level matters — and few roles carry more responsibility than that of Judge Executive.

In this edition of Commissioner Corner, Boone County Commissioner Chet Hand joins us to talk about his campaign for Judge Executive and what he believes is at stake in this upcoming election.

Chet brings a diverse background to the race. He currently serves as a Boone County Commissioner and previously spent more than a decade in public safety as a fire captain and paramedic, leading teams in high-pressure, real-world situations. Today, he works in the private sector in a leadership role focused on crisis management and risk planning — experience that has shaped his approach to decision-making, accountability, and leadership.

Beyond his professional background, Chet is also a husband, a father of seven, and a Boone County resident who has built his life here. That perspective, he says, is what drives his commitment to protecting the quality of life that so many families value.

His campaign is centered on a few core priorities: fiscal responsibility, thoughtful and disciplined growth, protection of property rights, and a more transparent and accountable county government. Like many residents, he recognizes that growth in Boone County is inevitable — but believes it must be managed carefully to ensure infrastructure keeps pace and communities are protected.

In our conversation, we discuss why he’s running, the challenges he sees ahead for Boone County, and how his experience has prepared him for the role. We also explore what distinguishes him in what is shaping up to be a competitive and closely watched race.

Here’s our conversation with Chet Hand.