Title: Town Manager

Municipality: Ocean Isle Beach

Positions Interested In: At Large - Manager

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 believe strongly in the Leagues motto: Working as One, Advancing All. If elected to the NCLM Board of Directors, I would work diligently to integrate the motto into each of my actions. It would be both an honor and a privilege to be afforded this opportunity to serve. For almost 23 years I've served the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, rising from Code Enforcement Official to Town Manager.

I want to bring the viewpoint of a small but fast-growing beach town in Brunswick County, one of the fastest-growing in NC and the US. In the summer Ocean Isle Beach swells from a small town to a small city, and that gives me a unique perspective on the Board.

My goals would be:

1. Work every day to give towns more say over our own budgets, rules, and decisions. This is the kind of flexibility I've exercised when following our own procurement and budget rules to secure grants and when we amended our Charter to change to council-manager government.

2. Build stronger teamwork between towns, counties, and regions so we can solve big shared problems like infrastructure and resilience.

3. Help communities adjust to fast growth and changing populations while showing residents how local government improves everyday life.

I'm a relationship builder. While larger cities may have their own lobbyists, I've gone to Raleigh myself and forged personal relationships to pass specific legislation supporting our community. If we achieve these goals, towns will be stronger and more independent by 2030. The League matters because bigger voices dominate at the state level. NCLM makes sure smaller towns have an equal voice.

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?

In the Town of Ocean Isle Beach I have managed code enforcement, planning and inspections, development review, grants, capital projects, and post-storm FEMA recovery. Since 2024 I have served as Town Administrator/Manager. All of these roles have been directly public-facing, and I have always made myself available to answer questions from citizens, the media, and staff.

I also served as Chairman of the Town of Shallotte Planning Board, and I currently sit on the Brunswick Community College Board of Trustees and as Vice-Chairman of the NC Beach, Inlet & Waterway Association. My appointment to the Community College Board helps me connect local government with workforce development and education issues that many towns face. I’ve been on the NCLM Legislative Policy Committee since 2023 and graduated from the NC Institute of Public Leadership in spring 2025.

My experience in disaster recovery is an asset to other towns across North Carolina. This hands-on experience gives me practical insights I’m ready to bring to the NCLM Board.

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

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Appalachian State University and have completed professional development courses through the UNC School of Government in municipal law, finance, planning, and leadership.

I’ve been with the Town of Ocean Isle Beach for almost 23 years. I started in code enforcement in 2003, advanced through planning and inspections, served eight years as Assistant Town Administrator on grants and recovery, and became Town Administrator in 2024. (Form of government change to Council-Manager in 2025)

In the community I serve on the Brunswick Community College Board of Trustees, as Vice-Chairman of the NC Beach, Inlet & Waterway Association, previously as Chairman of the Town of Shallotte Planning Board, on the Planning & Development Committee at my church, and as a volunteer coach with various teams through Brunswick County Parks & Recreation. I’m also a 2025 graduate of the NC Institute of Political Leadership and an active NCLM Legislative Policy Committee member.

These experiences have given me strong roots in coastal issues and local leadership that I’m eager to bring to the NCLM Board.

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

• CityVision Annual Conference
• Town & State Dinner or Town Hall Days
• Legislative Policy Committee

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

I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to the chance to interview with the Nominating Committee. After almost 23 years of hands-on service in a rapidly growing coastal town, I’m committed to being a strong, collaborative voice on the Board. I look forward to contributing my experience to help every municipality in North Carolina succeed.