Title: Mayor

Municipality: Town of Knightdale

Position Interested In: At Large - Elected Official

Position Interested In: District Representative, District #6

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?

During my political career with the Town of Knightdale, I have been afforded a leadership opportunity that has allowed me to serve one of our state’s fastest growing communities. My tenure includes appointments to our Public Safety and Land Use Advisory Boards. I then furthered my service in the elected role of Town Councilor and currently as Mayor. These experiences have afforded me a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the important role that local governments play in augmenting their citizens’ quality of life. Though, it is essential to also recognize that all policy decisions of elected bodies involve both positive and negative trade-offs for the citizenry. Appreciating that there is no perfect decision or scenario is an important pillar of municipal governance as its leaders tirelessly endeavor to do what’s right.

One of my primary goals as Mayor of Knightdale and as a representative of the North Carolina League of Municipalities is to constantly strive for the creation and maintenance of a strong political network. This commitment involves recognizing the importance of all stakeholders’ views in developing a greater understanding of the integral role that local governments play in building and maintaining our great communities.

Serving in a mayoral role has also shown me the importance of convening stakeholders to better understand and to help successfully navigate issues facing my community. As an executive leader and facilitator, my professional competencies have greatly contributed to my political successes. I have found great satisfaction not only advocating for the betterment of Knightdale but also possessing the professional skill to do so. Commitment, courage, and compassion are required to explore the vast opportunities and threats facing our municipal landscape. Please know that I am not only deeply committed to Knightdale but also to all of north Carolina’s municipalities.

The League’s Vision 2030 aligns closely with my own beliefs about the importance of municipal government. I have been afforded firsthand experience with the key challenges outlined in this visioning document. Knightdale routinely navigates them along with our fellow municipalities. As a member of the NCLM Board of Directors, please know that I am confident in my abilities to affect the positive changes in the implementation of Vision 2030.

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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?

NC League of Municipalities Board Member (2023-2025),
Elevate NC Participant (2024-2025)
NC League of Municipalities Policy Committee Co-Chair (2024)
Wake County Mayors Association President (2023)
Passage Home Board Member (2018 – 2023)
Triangle J Council of Governments Board of Delegates (2018 – 2023)
Knightdale Rotary Club President (2018 – 2019 and 2022-2023)
Knightdale Town Council Member (2017 – 2021)
Knightdale Chamber of Commerce Town Liaison (2019 – 2021)
Knightdale Community Policing Advisory Board President (2016 – 2017)

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Tell us about your educational background, professional experience, and/or community or civic activities?

Educational Background:
Master of Business Administration (MBA), STEM MBA
North Carolina State University, Jenkins Graduate School of Management, Dec. 2023

Bachelor of Science (BS), Business Administration
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Dec. 2007

Additional Professional Experience and Training:
NC State Leadership Certificate, NC Real Estate License, John C. Maxwell Certification Program (Coach, Teacher, Trainer, and Speaker), Dave Ramsey Financial Coach Master Training, UNC School of Government Advanced Leadership Corp., INSEAD Negotiations Training

Have You Participated in Any NCLM Events or Committees? 

• CityVision Annual Conference

• Town & State Dinner or Town Hall Days

• Legislative Goals Planning Events or Process

• Legislative Policy Committee

• Regional Meetings
  
  
• Legislative Lobby Days

Please provide any other information you would like the Nominations Committee to consider.

I am currently serving on the NCLM Board of Directors and have enjoyed the experience tremendously. My goal is to further continue this service for the betterment of North Carolina's municipalities.