Title: Councilmember

Municipality: Oak Ridge

Positions Interested In: District #9 Representative; Second Vice President

Q&A's:

TELL US WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO SERVE IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION AT THE LEAGUE. IN PARTICULAR, SPECIFY GOALS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN OFFICER OR BOARD MEMBER AND INDICATE HOW, IF ATTAINED, THEY WILL HELP TO ACHIEVE VISION 2030 – THE LEAGUE’S FUTURE VISION OF HOW CITIES AND TOWNS WILL OPERATE IN 2030?

I’m excited to serve on the North Carolina League of Municipalities Board because I strongly believe in its mission to advance the interests of towns and cities across North Carolina. Over the past two years on the Board—following two years on the Mayors Association Board—I have actively contributed to advancing the League’s Vision 2030.

As a member and now co-chair of the Legislative Policy Committee, I have helped lead discussions on key issues facing our state, including the growth of data centers and the increasing demand for housing, addressed in two recent webinars. These efforts have supported Vision 2030 priorities such as strengthening municipal engagement, building partnerships, and promoting economic development while helping communities adapt to cultural changes.

Last April, at the League’s request, I addressed the NC House Housing and Development Committee in opposition to HB 765, advocating for the importance of local authority in zoning decisions. Efforts like these are essential to ensuring that local governments retain the ability to shape their futures—arguably the most fundamental principle of our vision.

Over the next two years, whether serving as 2nd Vice President or District 9 representative, I want to strengthen the League’s outreach—especially to newly elected officials. I want them to experience the same “aha” moment I had in 2018, when I realized how much my town already relied on the League’s services and how directly its communications and resources supported my work in local government.

As I became more involved, attending events and connecting with peers, I discovered the value of learning from local leaders across the state, as well as from the League’s exceptional staff. We should continue expanding opportunities—like the recent webinars—that address issues important to local leaders and demonstrate the League’s value. A corollary focus can be on ways to encourage connections between small and large towns, between urban and rural communities, issues that lie at the heart of understanding how our state’s growth impacts all of us.

At the same time, we must continue listening to our membership. What challenges are they facing? Where do they need more information or support? As ambassadors, Board members are well positioned to gather these insights and offer input on responsive, relevant programming.

I’m also committed to helping the League look ahead—building on Vision 2030 while beginning to consider how a “Vision 2050” could strengthen the League's critical role in supporting local government and equipping local leaders.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL. YOU MAY WANT TO INCLUDE INFORMATION ON YOUR SERVICE ON THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNING BODY, OTHER RELATED BOARDS AND SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST?

I have now served eight and a half years on the Oak Ridge Town Council, including four years as mayor (2019–2023). I’m currently in my third four-year term, which will conclude in December 2029. I pride myself on communicating clearly with residents, building strong relationships with state and regional leaders, and providing engaged leadership that preserves our town’s historic and natural resources while preparing us for the future.

My interest in serving on Council grew out of my experience as chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, a quasi-judicial body that oversees changes within our Historic District. In that role, I created the Historic Heritage Grant Program, which continues to provide matching grants for small-scale, high-impact preservation projects in Oak Ridge. I also chaired the Future Land Use Planning Committee, leading critical updates to our Land Use Plan that support higher densities and mixed-use development in our town core. Through this involvement, I realized that my commitment to thoughtful planning and sound policy could make a meaningful contribution to our Town Council.

I was first elected to Town Council in 2017, and was re-elected in 2021 and 2024, receiving the highest number of votes each time. In 2019, I was elected by Council to serve as the town’s first female Mayor, a role I held until 2024.

During my first term, I spearheaded the town’s first strategic plan, which—through periodic updates—continues to guide our priorities. I also worked to strengthen communication with residents and build relationships at the county and state levels, securing more than $11 million in funding for key initiatives. These include a second 60-acre town park, a site to honor veterans, and the renovation of the town’s last remaining tenant farmhouse into a community center.

Our most ambitious project to date—the construction of the town’s first water tower and the initial phase of a municipal water system—is now nearing completion. Future phases are already being planned, and once again I’m leading our fundraising efforts. This is a forward-looking, generational investment in essential infrastructure for our growing community.

Today, I remain actively engaged in a wide range of town initiatives, prioritizing collaboration with fellow councilmembers, staff, and our 12 resident-led committees. I also recently had the honor of serving as editor of Historic Oak Ridge, an impressive new book that explores our community’s rich architectural heritage.

While my work as mayor and councilmember has not been without challenges, it has been deeply rewarding and continues to be a valuable learning experience that informs my relationships with other leaders as well as my service on the League’s board.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND, PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, AND/OR COMMUNITY OR CIVIC ACTIVITIES?

I hold a BA in English from Lawrence University in Wisconsin and an MA in English from the University of Chicago. I later studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and worked as an artist for several years.

My interest in the arts led to a position with the Getty Foundation in Los Angeles, one of the world’s leading arts funders. As the Foundation grew, I advanced to a senior staff role, taking on a wide range of responsibilities including grant management, communications, technology, policy development, and budget oversight.

This experience prepared me to launch a career as a management consultant for nonprofits, first in southern California and later in North Carolina after relocating to Oak Ridge in 2008. My work has frequently focused on strategic planning and complex policy issues, requiring strong collaboration with staff and leadership at all levels.

Locally, I have long been engaged in community service, serving on the boards of the Merchants of Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Lions Club, and Parent Teacher Organizations at every level. I am also a charter member of the Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club, and am active in my church as a choir member, Sunday School teacher, and vice president of Church Council. At the state level, I was honored to be appointed in 2022 as a Hunt State Policy Fellow, focusing on education issues in North Carolina, and I continue to attend annual convenings.

I’ve found that much of my professional and volunteer experience translates directly to municipal governance. For example, the knowledge of architectural conservation I gained at the Getty Foundation has been especially valuable in Oak Ridge, where preserving our historic and rural character amid development pressures remains a priority.
More broadly, my background in strategic planning, communications, policy development, and budget management has informed my leadership on Town Council. In turn, that local experience has strengthened my contributions to both the Mayors Association Board and the League’s Board of Directors.

I believe that my unique blend of educational, professional, and community experience – combined with my service as an elected official – has equipped me with the leadership skills needed to help guide the League’s board in its continued service to the diverse range of towns and cities across North Carolina.

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HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING NCLM EVENTS OR COMMITTEES?

• CityVision Annual Conference
• Town & State Dinner or Town Hall Days
  
• Legislative Goals Planning Events or Process
• Legislative Lobby Days
• Legislative Policy Committee
• Affiliate Organizations: Mayors Association - former member and board member
• Webinars on Data Centers & Housing / Meetings with area Town Councils to share information about League offerings

PLEASE PROVIDE ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER?

I believe the time is right for me, as a proven leader of one of North Carolina’s small towns and an experienced board member, to serve in a leadership role with the North Carolina League of Municipalities. My first choice is to serve as 2nd Vice President, where I would build upon the League’s longstanding reputation for excellence in leadership.

We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and I would approach this role with a commitment to learning from current and past board leaders, as well as from those serving around me. I would bring energy, thoughtfulness, and strong communication skills to representing the League and the full breadth of its municipal membership with clarity and conviction.

My second choice is to transition from my At-Large seat to serve as the League’s District 9 representative. In that role, I would build on my existing relationships with area municipalities to deepen local outreach and engagement.

Thank you for your consideration of my application and for your service on the Nominations Committee. I look forward to speaking with you on April 9.