After returning home, Flannery opened his own private law practice and was elected Carter County Attorney in 2010.[3] He has also served in various roles involving tax law including executive director of the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals and deputy director of the Kentucky Claims Commission under the leadership of Governor Matthew G. Bevin and Secretary David Dickerson.[4]
Cancer diagnosis
In January 2022, Flannery was diagnosed with stage 3testicular cancer.[5] Since his recovery, Flannery has been outspoken advocate for testicular cancer awareness.[6] During the 2023 Kentucky General Assembly, Flannery was the primary sponsor of HB 170, which required health insurance companies to cover reproductive preservation in cases of testicular or other urological cancers. HB 170 was passed in both chambers unanimously and signed into law by GovernorAndy Beshear on March 20, 2023.[7][6]
Flannery has also promised to introduce a resolution every year recognizing April as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, which he did in both the 2023[8] and 2024 Kentucky General Assemblies.[6][9]
Political career
2010 Flannery won the 2010 Carter County Attorney election with 4,379 votes (51.4%) against Democratic candidate Robert W. Miller.[10]
2014 Flannery was defeated for re-election as Carter County Attorney in the 2014 general election, receiving 3,576 votes (42%) with Democratic candidate Brian Bayes garnering 5,010 votes (58%).[11]
Flannery, known as a tireless worker for his beloved Olive Hill, Carter County and his entire district has earned the nickname “The Big Deal From Olive Hill” (TBDFOH) because of his ability to build consensus and maneuver the legislative process.