Title: Mayor   

Municipality: Town of Burgaw

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?

If selected to serve as an officer or board member, one of my primary goals would be to strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing among municipalities of all sizes. Many smaller and rural communities face unique challenges related to economic development, workforce attraction, infrastructure, and access to resources. I would work to ensure that these communities have a strong voice within the League and that best practices, innovative solutions, and technical support are accessible to all municipalities. By strengthening peer-to-peer learning and collaboration, we can help local leaders navigate complex issues while building more resilient and thriving communities.

Another goal would be to support strategies that help municipalities grow their local economies while preserving the character and quality of life that make North Carolina communities special. My experience in tourism and community development has shown how local governments can partner with businesses, nonprofits, and regional organizations to create vibrant downtowns, support small businesses, and enhance public spaces. Encouraging these kinds of partnerships aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on communities that are economically competitive, attractive places to live, work, and visit.

I would also prioritize strengthening the League’s role as a trusted advocate for local governments. Municipal leaders are often on the front lines addressing infrastructure needs, public safety, housing, and environmental stewardship. Ensuring that cities and towns have the tools, resources, and legislative support necessary to meet these challenges is essential. By continuing to promote strong local authority and practical solutions, the League can help municipalities remain responsive, innovative, and effective in serving their residents.

These goals align closely with Vision 2030’s vision of cities and towns that are resilient, collaborative, innovative, and responsive to the needs of their communities. By encouraging partnerships, supporting economic vitality, and strengthening the voice of municipalities across North Carolina, I hope to contribute to the League’s continued success and help shape a future where our cities and towns are well-positioned to thrive in 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?

Serving as Mayor of Burgaw has given me the opportunity to work closely with our town council, staff, and community partners to address the needs of our residents while planning for the long-term success of our municipality. Currently serving in my second term as mayor, I have focused on fostering collaboration, supporting responsible growth, and strengthening our community’s sense of place. Our work has included supporting downtown revitalization, encouraging small business growth, and investing in initiatives that enhance quality of life for both residents and visitors.

Before being elected mayor, I served for several years on both the Burgaw Planning Board and the Parks and Recreation Board. These roles provided valuable experience in municipal planning, land use considerations, and the development of recreational spaces that enhance community well-being. Serving on these boards allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how thoughtful planning and community engagement contribute to the long-term success of a town.

Prior to serving as mayor, I also worked as the Tourism Director for Pender County, where I partnered regularly with municipal leaders, economic development organizations, and regional stakeholders across North Carolina. This role gave me valuable experience in promoting local economies, supporting small businesses, and developing partnerships that benefit communities. I worked closely with municipalities throughout the county to promote tourism, agritourism, cultural assets, and community events that highlight the unique character of our towns.

In addition to my municipal service, I have been the long-standing co-chair of the Pender Long Term Disaster Recovery Group. Through this role, I have worked alongside local governments, nonprofit organizations, faith-based partners, and volunteers to help communities recover and rebuild following natural disasters. This experience has reinforced the importance of collaboration, resilience, and preparedness in supporting the long-term stability of our communities.

As a municipal official, my special areas of interest include economic development, downtown revitalization, tourism and place-based development, disaster recovery and resilience, and strengthening partnerships between local governments and the private sector. I believe that strong collaboration, thoughtful planning, and community engagement are essential to building resilient and vibrant municipalities.

These experiences have shaped my approach to public service and reinforced my commitment to supporting North Carolina’s cities and towns as they navigate both challenges and opportunities for growth.

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

My professional career and community involvement have been centered around leadership, public service, and strengthening the communities I care deeply about. Through a combination of professional roles, board service, and volunteer leadership, I have worked to support economic development, disaster recovery, civic engagement, and community enrichment.

Professionally, I served as the Tourism Director for Pender County, where I worked closely with municipalities, businesses, and regional partners to promote economic development through tourism, agritourism, and community events. This experience allowed me to build strong partnerships across North Carolina while supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life in local communities.
In addition to my municipal service as Mayor of Burgaw, I have been actively involved in several state and regional organizations. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Mayors Association through the North Carolina League of Municipalities and on the Board of Directors for the American Flood Coalition. I am also the long-standing Co-Chair of the Pender Long Term Disaster Recovery Group, where I work with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to coordinate recovery and resilience efforts following natural disasters.

Community engagement has always been an important part of my work. I founded and continue to serve as the Director of the North Carolina Blueberry Scholarship Pageant, which has supported young leaders and scholarship opportunities since 2014. I currently serve on the Pender Arts Council Board of Directors, supporting media and marketing efforts that promote arts and cultural programming in our region.

My past leadership roles include serving as President of the North Carolina Festival & Events Association in 2022 after several years on its Board of Directors (2017–2023). I have also served locally on the Town of Burgaw Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, where I served as Chair, as well as the Town of Burgaw Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and Tree Board.

I remain active in several civic organizations including the Burgaw Rotary Club, where I currently serve as President.

I have completed several professional certifications and leadership programs including the Strategic Workforce Leader (SWL) certification through the Workforce Leadership Institute and a Leadership Development Program through Mt. Calvary University.

In recognition of my professional and civic leadership, I was honored to receive the 2020 “40 Under 40” Award from StarNews Media and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, the 2019 Festival Director of the Year Award from the North Carolina Festival & Events Association, and was named a 2018 Wilma Women to Watch finalist.

These experiences have provided me with a strong foundation in leadership, collaboration, and community service, and they continue to shape my commitment to supporting strong and resilient municipalities across North Carolina.

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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
• NC Mayors Association

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

Serving as Mayor of Burgaw has reinforced my belief that strong local leadership and effective partnerships are essential to the success of North Carolina’s municipalities. Whether working with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, regional partners, or state leaders, I strive to represent my community with integrity while also keeping a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing cities and towns across the state.

If given the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors, I would be committed to listening, learning from fellow municipal leaders, and contributing my experience to help advance the League’s mission. I believe strongly in the importance of the League’s work and would be honored to support its efforts to ensure that North Carolina’s cities and towns remain vibrant, resilient, and well-positioned for the future.

Thank you again for your consideration and for the important work the Nominations Committee does in supporting municipal leadership across our state.