Title: Mayor

Municipality: Town of Beaufort

Position Interested In: District Representative, District #2

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?

Serving in this type of leadership role will allow me to make a broader impact, inspire and motivate others, foster growth, and contribute to a positive environment and organizational success for the NCLM. As a board member, I will aim to contribute to the success of the League's future vision's by providing leadership throughout the implementation process of Vision 2030. I have a background in helping develop a strong, diverse and well organized political network. I understand the importance of growing municipal leaders in all areas of North Carolina. I also support efforts to ensure the organization's financial sustainability.

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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?

I have been president of the Carteret County League of Women Voters and was named 'Woman of the Year”. I have served on several local and state boards, including the Olde Beaufort Farmers Market Advisory Board, the executive board of the North Carolina Coastal Federation, and the North Carolina League of Municipalities Advancing Municipal Leaders Advisory Board. I am a proud member of the Beaufort Women's Club, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society (honoring women educators), and the Black Elected Municipal Officials (BEMO) organization. I served as a Town of Beaufort Commissioner from 2015 to 2021 and was elected Mayor in 2021—becoming the first African American to serve in the role. I created the Mayor’s Conservation Program to raise awareness about protecting Beaufort’s natural resources. The program focuses on educating and engaging residents and visitors in collaborative efforts to preserve the environment for future generations.

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

I have worked as a licensed respiratory therapist for over two decades before becoming an administrator at Carteret Health Care in Morehead City. Committed to lifelong learning and leadership, I was selected as part of the inaugural cohort of the Hunt State Policy Fellows in 2021 and currently serves as a board member of Coastal Community Action. I have also served on various PTO and Advisory Boards in Carteret County Public Schools and through the Boys and Girls Club.

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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

• Regional Meetings