Title: Councilmember

Municipality: City of Monroe

Positions Interested In: District #8 Representative

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 seek to serve in a leadership position with the North Carolina League of Municipalities because I believe the next decade will require a more intentional, coordinated, and forward-thinking approach to municipal governance—one that ensures every city and town, regardless of size, is equipped to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.

My leadership journey—shaped by both service and setback—has reinforced my commitment to growth, resilience, and purpose-driven governance. After losing my seat in 2021 and being re-elected in 2023, I returned with a sharpened perspective and a renewed responsibility to lead with greater impact. Now in my second term as a Monroe City Councilmember, I bring a transformational and visionary approach that aligns directly with the League’s Vision 2030 framework.

Vision 2030 calls for municipalities that are innovative, resilient, collaborative, and people-centered. As a member of the Board, I would focus on three primary goals that directly advance that vision:

1. Strengthening Workforce Alignment with Economic Development
I will advocate for embedding workforce development and local hiring expectations into economic development strategies and incentive programs. By ensuring that public investments translate into measurable opportunity for residents, we can create more inclusive and sustainable local economies—an essential component of thriving communities in 2030.

2. Advancing Collaborative Regionalism
No municipality can meet the demands of growth, infrastructure, and service delivery in isolation. I will work to strengthen regional partnerships across municipalities, counties, and state leadership to align resources, share best practices, and drive collective impact. This approach directly supports Vision 2030’s emphasis on interconnected, solution-oriented governance.

3. Elevating Leadership Capacity Across Municipalities
Through my experiences with the UNC Chapel Hill School of Government Advanced Leadership Corps and NC Rural Leadership, I have seen firsthand the value of investing in leadership development. I will champion expanded access to leadership training, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing platforms to ensure that elected officials and staff are prepared to lead through complexity and change.

At its core, my desire to serve is rooted in a belief that municipal leadership must evolve from reactive decision-making to strategic, future-focused governance. The League is uniquely positioned to guide that evolution.

If entrusted with this role, I will bring energy, perspective, and a commitment to advancing all municipalities—ensuring that as we move toward 2030, our cities and towns are not only prepared for the future, but actively shaping it.

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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?

My service as a municipal official is grounded in both lived experience and a deep professional understanding of local government operations. As a lifelong resident of Monroe for over 50 years and a former City employee for nearly two decades, I bring an institutional knowledge and community-centered perspective that allows me to lead with both insight and intentionality.

Since first being elected in 2017, I have remained committed to advancing initiatives that reflect forward-thinking leadership, equity, and long-term community impact.

One of my proudest accomplishments was leading the effort to make Juneteenth a paid municipal holiday, positioning Monroe among the first cities in North Carolina to formally recognize this historic day. This action was not only symbolic but demonstrated our City’s commitment to acknowledging freedom, unity, and shared progress for all residents.

In addition, I championed updates to Monroe’s Charters of Freedom display—a meaningful initiative that expanded the historical narrative by including the 13th and 14th Amendments. This ensured that our public spaces more accurately reflect the full story of American democracy and civil rights, reinforcing education, awareness, and inclusivity.

My leadership extends into several key boards and committees that shape the City’s quality of life and long-term sustainability:

Chair, Parks and Recreation Commission: In this role, I help guide policies and investments that enhance recreational programming, park development, and community wellness—ensuring accessible, high-quality amenities for residents of all ages.

Member, Public Enterprises Committee: This committee oversees critical infrastructure systems, including water, sewer, and electric services. My involvement supports strategic planning, system reliability, and infrastructure investments necessary to sustain growth and economic competitiveness.

Member, Economic Development of Greater Monroe (EDGM): Through this work, I collaborate with regional partners to attract and retain business, support job creation, and align economic development efforts with workforce opportunities for our residents.


Across each of these roles, my focus remains consistent: ensuring that policy decisions are not only effective in the present but are also positioning Monroe for a stronger, more resilient future.

My tenure has also been shaped by perseverance. After losing my seat in 2021, I returned in 2023 with a renewed mandate from the community—bringing a sharpened perspective and an even deeper commitment to servant leadership. That experience reinforced my belief in accountability, growth, and the importance of staying connected to the people we serve.

Collectively, my experience reflects a balance of governance, operational understanding, and visionary leadership. I remain dedicated to advancing initiatives that strengthen infrastructure, expand opportunity, and elevate the overall quality of life for all residents of Monroe.

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

My educational, professional, and community experiences collectively shape a leadership approach grounded in service, connection, and long-term impact.

I attended North Carolina State University, where I developed a strong foundation that has supported both my professional and civic journey. My career with the City of Monroe spans nearly two decades, providing me with firsthand knowledge of municipal operations, internal processes, and the importance of delivering high-quality services to residents. This experience allows me to approach governance with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset—understanding not only policy, but how those policies are implemented at the operational level.

I currently serve within the school system, where I support elementary school staff and students in mathematics. This role is especially meaningful, as it allows me to contribute to academic development while also serving as a visible example of what is possible. Being present in the same halls that students walk today—many of which I once walked myself—provides an opportunity to inspire, mentor, and reinforce the importance of education, discipline, and self-belief.

As a native of Monroe, having lived in this community for over 50 years, my perspective is deeply rooted in lived experience. I have walked and engaged with neighborhoods across our city throughout my life, giving me a unique understanding of the diverse needs, challenges, and opportunities within our community. This connection informs my decision-making and reinforces my commitment to ensuring that all residents feel seen, heard, and supported.

While I no longer coach, I dedicated nearly 30 years to coaching basketball. That experience allowed me to build meaningful relationships with youth and families while helping to shape the character, discipline, and confidence of future leaders. It reinforced the importance of mentorship, accountability, and investing in the next generation—values that continue to guide my approach to public service today.

In addition, I actively collaborate with nonprofit organizations that support initiatives aligned with Monroe’s growth and community well-being. Through these partnerships, I work to help bridge gaps between local government and the community—ensuring that resources, programs, and opportunities are accessible and impactful. This collaborative approach strengthens trust and creates a more unified path forward for addressing community needs.

Together, my educational background, professional experience, and community involvement reflect a commitment to servant leadership, relationship-building, and forward-thinking governance. I remain focused on leveraging these experiences to continue driving meaningful progress for the residents of Monroe.

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

• Town & State Dinner or Town Hall Days
• Legislative Goals Planning Events or Process
• Legislative Lobby Days
• Affiliate Organizations: NC BEMO