Title: Councilman Ward 2

Municipality: Town of Tarboro

Positions Interested In: District #5 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 am interested in serving in a leadership position with the North Carolina League of Municipalities because I believe strongly in the power of local government to shape thriving, resilient communities. My experience serving on the Tarboro Town Council has reinforced that smaller towns are often asked to do more with fewer resources, yet remain on the front lines of service delivery, economic development, and quality of life. I would welcome the opportunity to help ensure that communities like Tarboro have a strong voice in shaping the League’s priorities and future direction.

If selected, one of my primary goals would be to advocate for strategies that help smaller municipalities grow responsibly while maintaining the character that makes them unique. This includes expanding access to infrastructure funding, supporting downtown revitalization efforts, and strengthening partnerships that attract private investment. Growth in towns like Tarboro must be intentional, focused on creating jobs, expanding the tax base, and improving amenities, so that we can continue providing high-quality services without overburdening existing residents.

Another key goal is to support innovative service delivery. Smaller towns often face staffing and financial constraints, making regional collaboration, shared services, and the thoughtful use of technology essential. I would work to promote best practices across municipalities, helping towns leverage tools that improve efficiency, enhance customer service, and meet rising citizen expectations.

Workforce development and succession planning are also critical. Ensuring that municipalities can recruit, develop, and retain talented employees, while promoting from within, is essential to sustaining long-term service excellence. I would advocate for expanded training opportunities and leadership development programs that prepare the next generation of local government professionals.

These priorities align closely with Vision 2030, which emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and resilient communities. By supporting smart growth strategies, modernizing service delivery, and investing in people, we can help ensure that North Carolina’s cities and towns, regardless of size, are well-positioned for the future. For Tarboro and similar communities, this means not only maintaining essential services, but continuously improving them in ways that enhance the daily lives of our citizens.

Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a League that is responsive, forward-thinking, and inclusive of all municipalities. By working together, we can ensure that towns like Tarboro continue to grow, adapt, and provide the high level of service our residents deserve well into 2030 and beyond.

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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?

Elected to the Tarboro Town Council in 2015 to represent Ward 2.

Two (2) separate terms as Mayor Pro Tempore and a ten (10) month stint as Acting Mayor.

Represent Ward 2 residents in policy decisions, zoning matters, and service delivery concerns.

Participate in Town Council meetings, vote on ordinances, budgets, and capital projects.

Represent the Town Council on several boards and committees, including the Executive Committee of the Upper Coastal Plains Council of Government, Tarboro Development Corporation, Edgecombe Community College Board of Trustees, Edgecombe County Human Relations Committee, etc.

Engage with constituents to address neighborhood issues such as infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.

Support strategic initiatives like downtown development, utilities, and community programs.

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

30+ years of Human Resource Management in the private sector (see Resume). Heavily involved in several community organizations including the Edgecombe Community College Board of Trustees, Tarboro Development Corporation, Upper Coastal Plains Council of Government; as well as involvement in Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church.

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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
• Regional Meetings
• Legislative Policy Committee