Title: Mayor

Municipality: Town of Granite Quarry

Positions Interested In: District #9 Representative; At Large - Elected Officials

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?

Serving in a leadership role with the League is a natural extension of the work I am already doing as Mayor of Granite Quarry; showing up, doing the homework, and making decisions that balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s growth.

Local government is not easy; and the more you understand it, the more you realize how much responsibility sits at this level. Communities across North Carolina are facing many of the same challenges; rising costs, aging infrastructure, workforce demands, and higher expectations from the public. I want to be part of strengthening the League as a place where leaders come together to share solutions and move forward together; not in silos.

If given the opportunity to serve, my focus would be on three areas.

First, financial sustainability and transparency. We owe it to our residents to be good stewards of their dollars while also being honest about what it takes to run a community. I want to support tools and policies that help towns diversify revenue, clearly communicate decisions, and remain fiscally strong. This directly supports Vision 2030’s goal of resilient and well managed municipalities.

Second, smart growth and infrastructure. Growth is coming whether we are ready or not; and it is our responsibility to manage it well. I want to advocate for better coordination, stronger infrastructure investment, and practical strategies that help communities grow without losing what makes them special. This aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on prepared and connected communities.

Third, leadership and collaboration. The League is at its best when leaders are connected and learning from one another. I want to help expand mentorship, engagement, and real conversations so elected officials feel confident and supported in their roles. Strong leadership is the foundation of strong communities; and that is at the core of Vision 2030.

At the end of the day; I am passionate about service and getting things done. I care about making sure our towns are not just keeping up; but moving forward in a way that is thoughtful, sustainable, and grounded in reality. I would be honored to serve and help turn Vision 2030 into something our communities can see and feel every day.

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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?

Serving as Mayor of Granite Quarry has given me the opportunity to lead at both the local and regional level; with a strong focus on collaboration, growth, and practical decision making.

At the municipal level, I have been actively involved in guiding our community through growth, infrastructure planning, and fiscal responsibility. This includes working closely with staff, regional partners, and our governing board to ensure we are making informed decisions that position Granite Quarry for long term success.

Beyond my role as Mayor, I have had the privilege to serve through several organizations that directly impact our region. I am actively engaged with the North Carolina League of Municipalities Mayors Association; where I have had the opportunity to collaborate with mayors across the state, share ideas, and advocate for municipal priorities. I also serve at the regional level with the Rowan Cabarrus Metropolitan Planning Organization; working on transportation planning and infrastructure coordination that affects multiple communities.

I was also recently appointed by the North Carolina Senate to serve on the Rowan Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees; where I focus on workforce development and student engagement. As North Carolina continues to be recognized as the number one state for business; the role of our community colleges is more important than ever. Rowan Cabarrus Community College is the sixth largest community college in the state; and plays a critical role in preparing our workforce, supporting economic development, and connecting education to industry needs.

Previously, I was involved with Centralina; which provided valuable experience in regional collaboration, long range planning, and understanding how local decisions connect to broader state and regional strategies.

Locally, I believe strongly in showing up and being involved. I have served with Rowan Helping Ministries, the Granite Quarry Public Safety Auxiliary, and on the Healthy Rowan Executive Board; all of which focus on strengthening quality of life and supporting community needs beyond municipal government.

I also actively participate in our Rowan County Municipal Association and the Rowan County Mayors group; where we bring together mayors, council members, and key county leadership to collaborate, share challenges, and work toward solutions that benefit our entire region.

Through each of these roles, I have developed a well rounded understanding of municipal leadership; one that values partnership, communication, and the ability to turn ideas into action.

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

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology; where I developed both a strong analytical foundation and an early passion for leadership. During my undergraduate experience, I had the unique opportunity to serve as Student Body President of the Student Government Association; becoming the first junior to ever run for and be successfully elected to that role. That experience challenged me to lead, communicate, and represent a diverse group of voices at an early stage; and it continues to shape how I approach leadership today.

Professionally and personally, I have always been drawn to roles that allow me to connect with people and serve my community. I value relationships, clear communication, and being present; whether that is through local events, school engagement, or simply showing up where it matters most.

Outside of my formal roles, I am actively involved in a variety of community and civic activities. I enjoy volunteering and supporting local organizations, working alongside our schools, and finding ways to honor and serve our veterans. I believe that strong communities are built through consistent involvement and a willingness to give back; and I strive to lead by example in that regard.

At the core, my background reflects a balance of education, leadership, and service; all rooted in a genuine commitment to people and community.

The League has played an important role in my growth as a leader; and my continued involvement is rooted in a genuine commitment to its mission. I believe in the work being done, I value the relationships it builds, and I am dedicated to helping strengthen its impact for cities and towns across North Carolina.

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

• CityVision Annual Conference
• Town & State Dinner or Town Hall Days
• Regional Meetings
• Affiliate Organizations: NCLM Mayors Association, Rowan-Cabarrus Metropolitan Planning Organization,
  Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees

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

At the end of the day, I am someone who believes in doing the work.

Local government is not always easy; and it is rarely glamorous. It requires patience, accountability, and a willingness to navigate challenges that do not have simple answers. I lean into that.

My family keeps me grounded in why this matters; and my experience has taught me that the best outcomes come from collaboration, transparency, and showing up prepared. I care about making sure our cities and towns are not just managing growth; but leading through it.

If given the opportunity to continue serving, I will bring that same mindset; focused, practical, and committed to; “Working as One. Advancing All”.