Title: Mayor Pro Tem

Municipality: Town of Wallace

Positions Interested In: District #3 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?

My desire to serve in a leadership position with the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) is driven by a commitment to ensuring that rural towns—like Wallace and our neighbors in District 3—have a powerful, sophisticated voice at the state level. Rural municipalities are the backbone of North Carolina, yet we face a unique set of pressures that require proactive, visionary advocacy rather than reactive management.

With a professional background in local government and a unique cultural perspective, I offer a broad lens through which to view our current challenges. I see firsthand the demographic shifts occurring across our region. To meet the goals of Vision 2030, our leadership must be inclusive, ensuring that as our populations change, every group feels represented and served by their local government.

If elected to the Board, my focus will be on three key objectives:

Strengthening Local Autonomy: A core pillar of Vision 2030 is "Local Control." I will advocate fiercely to retain the authority of municipal governance, ensuring that decisions about our streets, zoning, and safety are made by the people who live in our communities, not dictated by distant mandates.

Securing Sustainable Funding: I intend to partner with state and federal legislators to bridge the gap between our current reality and our future needs. By garnering support for additional municipal funding, we can address the "Fiscal Health" requirement of Vision 2030, allowing towns to remain solvent and prosperous.

Modernizing Infrastructure for Growth: District 3 is experiencing a surge in housing development, yet we are often hampered by aging infrastructure. My goal is to secure the resources necessary to transition our legacy systems into the resilient, adaptive infrastructure required for a 2030 reality.

Vision 2030 imagines a future where cities and towns are the hubs of innovation and high quality of life. By advocating for rural-specific resources and protecting the power of local leaders to innovate, I wan to help ensure that the League’s vision isn't just a reality for our large metros, but a lived experience for every resident in our rural districts. I am ready to work.

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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?

Since my election in 2019, I have been honored to serve the town of Wallace as a Councilmember and currently as Mayor Pro Tem. My tenure has been defined by a "boots-on-the-ground" approach to governance, ensuring that the decisions made in the council chambers are informed by the realities of our departments and the voices of our residents.

Internal Governance & Fiscal Oversight
I have taken an active role in the town’s financial health as a member of the Budget Committee. To move beyond just numbers on a spreadsheet, I have toured every municipal facility and met with all department heads to understand the specific operational needs and limitations they face. This deep dive into our internal workings allows me to advocate for a balanced budget that prioritizes essential services while remaining fiscally responsible.

Regional Advocacy & Economic Development
My service on the Airport Commission has been a highlight of my term. Recognizing that our airport is a vital economic engine for the region, I have worked to bridge the gap between commission goals and Council support. Furthermore, as Mayor Pro Tem, I have stepped into the executive role to conduct business, swear in officials, and represent our town in official proclamations, ensuring continuity of leadership for Wallace.

Community Engagement & Inclusion
I pride myself on maintaining an "open door" policy, engaging with constituents through every available channel—from social media and email to community events. A significant milestone of my time in office has been the increased participation of the Latino community. My presence on the Council has served as a catalyst for underrepresented groups to voice their concerns and engage more deeply in town events, a trend I am committed to continuing.

Looking AheadMy primary areas of interest remain:

Infrastructure & Public Safety: Modernizing our systems to support growth.

Economic Development: Ensuring Wallace remains a competitive hub in District 3.

Inclusion: Building a government that reflects its people.

Most recently (March 25, 2026), I had the privilege of joining Governor Josh Stein and other regional leaders for a roundtable discussion on the unique opportunities and challenges facing our area. This experience reinforced my desire to scale my advocacy to the state level through the NCLM Board.

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

My foundation in leadership is built on a rigorous academic and professional background. I hold both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mount Olive, complemented by an Associate Degree in Information Systems from James Sprunt Community College.

Currently, I serve as the Cultural Engagement and Recruitment Administrator for Duplin County Schools. In this role, I manage complex organizational dynamics and talent acquisition, and I am currently preparing for the SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) exam to further enhance my expertise in strategic human resource management.

Civic Leadership & Board Service

I am a deeply active member of the community, serving on several boards that impact the economic and physical health of our region:

Health & Wellness: Member of the ECU Health Duplin Hospital Board of Directors and the American Rural Health Institute Board.

Infrastructure & Governance: Member of the Wallace-Pender Airport Commission and a United States Selective Service Board Member for Duplin County.

Philanthropy: Board Member of the Duplin County Community Foundation and Pet Friends of Duplin County.

Cultural Advocacy & Recognition

As the Founder and President of the Duplin County Latino Association and Chair of the Duplin County Latino Festival, I have worked to bridge cultural gaps and foster inclusive community engagement. I am also a member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).

My commitment to service has been recognized at both the state and national levels, including:

North Carolina Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service

US President’s Volunteer Service Award

Paul Harris Fellow (and former President of the Duplin Rotary Club)

My diverse background in HR, business administration, and regional board service allows me to approach municipal challenges with a unique blend of professional discipline and community-focused empathy.

Beyond my work in Wallace, I have extended my leadership to the regional level as an alternate voting member for the Cape Fear Council of Governments (CFCOG). This experience, combined with my active participation in the Duplin County Municipal Association, has given me a deep understanding of how regional cooperation is essential to achieving the NCLM’s Vision 2030.

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

• Regional Meetings
• Affiliate Organizations: Duplin County Municipal Association; Cape Fear Council of Governments (Alternate Voting Member)

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

I would like the Nominating Committee to consider my deep-seated commitment to the sustainability of North Carolina’s municipalities. My journey from a professional working with the state and district to a leader in municipal government has been driven by a singular belief: that the strength of our state is found in the health of our hometowns.

I am fully prepared to meet the time and travel commitments required of a Board member. I view this role not as a title, but as a working position. Whether it is attending the annual board meetings, participating in the CityVision conference, or traveling to Raleigh to advocate for municipal interests, I am ready to be an active, vocal participant in the League’s work.

My experience as Mayor Pro Tem and my roles on regional boards have prepared me to represent the diverse interests of my district. I have a proven track record of bridging gaps—whether between the town council and the airport commission, or between local government and our growing Latino community. I am eager to bring this same energy to the NCLM, helping to communicate our shared legislative goals to state leaders.

I am passionate about the "Vision 2030" roadmap because I see its necessity every day in Wallace. I believe my background in Human Resources and Business Administration gives me a unique perspective on the "Fiscal Health" and "Talent Supply" pillars of that vision. I am committed to ensuring that as we move toward 2030, our rural towns are not just surviving, but are leading the way in innovation and quality of life.

I am honored to be considered for this position and look forward to the opportunity to serve the League and the municipalities of North Carolina.