Candidate Spotlight: Ward 1 - Keala S. Bennett
This article marks the beginning of the City of St. Robert’s Candidate Spotlight series. Over the coming weeks, we will be highlighting the individuals who have filed to run for Alderman in the upcoming municipal election. The purpose of this series is to provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the candidates who have stepped forward to serve their ward.
Each spotlight features the candidate’s responses to a questionnaire so residents can hear directly from them in their own words.
For Ward 1, Keala S. Bennett has filed for office and is running unopposed in this election cycle.
About Keala
Keala S. Bennett has lived in the community for a combined total of 17 years and chose to make St. Robert home in May 2021.
She is a proud U.S. Army Military Police veteran and retired Department of Defense civil servant, serving 28 years in federal service. Her career included work in human resources, Department of Defense Education Activity administration, and leadership development. She supported missions at HRC–Fort Knox, the Command and General Staff College, and served as a mentor for the Nominative Spouses Course.
At Fort Leonard Wood, she worked in advisory roles supporting the Garrison, the U.S. Army Military Police School, and the Noncommissioned Officer Academy. Today, she dedicates her time as a full-time volunteer in the community.
Her Connection to St. Robert
As a military spouse, frequent relocations were part of her family’s journey. In 2018, her family returned to Fort Leonard Wood for the third time and decided to establish permanent roots.
She and her family chose St. Robert for its welcoming small-town atmosphere, convenient access to VA medical care, and the programs offered through the Waynesville School District and Waynesville Career Center.
Why She Is Running
Keala shared that she is running to bring a fresh perspective and to serve as an everyday voice for residents. Through her community involvement, she has seen the importance of leaders who genuinely listen and remain connected.
Since first living in the area in 2000, she has watched St. Robert grow and accomplish meaningful progress. She believes the city is ready to continue building momentum through collaboration, transparency, and a genuine commitment to residents.
Community Involvement
Keala is actively involved in the St. Robert and Waynesville communities. Her service includes:
Volunteer with Partners on Patrol at Waynesville High School
Supporter of the WHS JROTC program
Member of the School District’s Continuing School Improvement Plan Council
Member of the Waynesville School District Communications Board
Ambassador with the Waynesville–St. Robert Chamber of Commerce
Volunteer at the Waynesville–St. Robert Senior Center
Member of the Pulaski County Growth Alliance
Member of the City of St. Robert Planning and Zoning Committee
Member of the Parks and Recreation Board
Contributor to the City of St. Robert Christmas Committee
Member of Toastmasters International Sound Off Chapter
Member of the Pulaski Creative Arts Alliance
Member of the Pulaski County Master Gardeners
Supporter of the Ozark Composite Mountain Bike Team
Active with the Female Veterans Support Group
Outside of Civic Service
Outside of her volunteer work, Keala enjoys art, painting, gardening, and spending time with her family. Her son is currently in ROTC at the University of Missouri, and her daughter attends Waynesville High School.
She enjoys participating in community events, spending time at the Senior Center, connecting with fellow veterans, and celebrating cultural traditions such as Hawaiian heritage and Oktoberfest.
An avid cyclist, she recently completed the Katy Trail end-to-end and rides with the Wounded Warrior Bike Team. She will also be participating in the Route 66 Centennial bike ride through Missouri.
Her View on Leadership
Keala believes good local leadership means being present, approachable, and engaged. She emphasizes showing up, listening to residents and business owners, and thinking intentionally about long-term growth and economic opportunity.
She views the role of Alderman as representing residents honestly and openly, even when conversations are difficult. Her focus is on transparency, accountability, and ensuring residents feel heard and informed.
Looking Ahead
When asked what she hopes to see for St. Robert in the coming years, Keala spoke about maintaining momentum while building a shared vision for growth, economic opportunity, and safe, welcoming neighborhoods.
She emphasized the importance of community involvement and collaboration in shaping the city’s future.
Contact Information
Residents of Ward 1 may contact Keala Bennett by:
Phone: 904-208-1408
Email: keala.bennett@yahoo.com
Facebook: Keala Bennett for Ward 1 St Robert
Contact information provided is shared publicly as part of the Candidate Spotlight series.