Denny Magruder Announces 2024 Run for Wheeling Mayor
Photo by Eric Ayres Trending
WHEELING -- Denny Magruder -- retired longtime executive director for the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority -- this week became the first person to officially announce their candidacy for next year's Wheeling mayoral race.
A community leader for decades in the Friendly City, Magruder retired from his post as executive director of WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theatre in October after serving the community as an award-winning leader in entertainment facilities management for more than 36 years.
On Thursday, Magruder announced his intention to run for the seat as Wheeling's next mayor. Current Mayor Glenn Elliott is currently finishing out his second and final term, which is slated to end on June 30, 2024.
"I guess the big thing is that I've spent my entire life pretty much in Wheeling," Magruder said on Thursday. "I've played, prayed and raised my kids here. I've since retired, and now I just think it's time to try to give something back to the community that's given so much to me. I am humbled and honored to announce my candidacy for mayor of Wheeling."
Magruder noted that while he has a wealth of knowledge about the Wheeling community having worked alongside local leaders and the public for more than three decades, he has very little first-hand familiarity when it comes to the realm of political campaigns. In fact, this will be his first rodeo in the political arena.
"I pride myself on being able to work with people and my ability to bring the best people in the community together," he said.
"I think that I'm a balanced candidate who can embrace a common sense approach to building partnerships. And that's what I see as a big key to Wheeling's future."
In addition to his experience in sports and entertainment management, Magruder's background is rooted in finance. His career began with a degree in accounting and business administration from West Liberty State University. His resume includes work as a rate analyst, budget director and certified public accountant, specializing in field audits and government accounting. He's also worked as a business manager and comptroller of Marshall County Schools.
"We're doing some great things now," Magruder said of the economic development and progress being made in the city. He noted that if he is fortunate enough to serve as the next mayor of Wheeling, he planned to do so from his perspective as a fiduciary-minded leader to move the city into future prosperity.
He said his key priorities include supporting economic growth by attracting new businesses and supporting entrepreneurship, fostering sustainable development initiatives and ensuring the delivery of high-quality public services to all residents. Magruder added that he was determined to make strategic investments in infrastructure projects that bolster public safety and protect the environment.
"Wheeling has always been my home, and I'm committed to working tirelessly to ensure its success and prosperity. Together, we can build a city that embraces progress, fosters opportunity and enhances the overall wellbeing of every resident," he said.
Magruder noted that it was early in the campaign, but he said he intended to get out and about in the community over the course of the next several months to meet with the public and hear their thoughts on and hopes for the future of the city.
During Magruder's tenure with the GWSEA, WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theatre made significant capital improvements and have solidified their status as the Ohio Valley's premier indoor entertainment venues and event destination locations. Under Magruder's leadership, these venues have hosted thousands of events, including U.S. presidential visits, professional sporting events, major tournaments, national touring acts, Broadway and symphony events and numerous conferences.
He became a member of the International Association of Venue Managers and has been credited for playing an integral role in the growth and development of its educational programs. He became a member of the first graduating class of Venue Management School in 1988.
Magruder currently serves as treasurer for the Wheeling Convention and Visitor's Bureau and for many years has been an active member of its executive committee. He was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame in 2011 and the OVAC Hall of Fame in 2015.
He and his wife, Barbara, raised three children and are the grandparents of nine.