I’m originally from Columbia, South Carolina, but East Tennessee has felt like home since 2002. My path has been shaped by both faith and learning. I studied at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, and later earned my Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta. I’m an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and since 2016 I’ve had the privilege of serving as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Elizabethton — a progressive Christian community committed to social justice, welcoming and inclusivity for all.

Before entering ministry, I also worked in computer science and web design, experiences that shaped the way I approach problem-solving: carefully, thoughtfully, and with attention to detail.

Service has always been central to my life. In addition to my work as a pastor, I serve as a chaplain and leader with Scouting America Troop 240, previously served on the board of Johnson City American Little League, and volunteer as a track coach at University School at ETSU. These roles have allowed me to build relationships with families across our community and see firsthand the issues that matter most to them.

In my spare time, you might find me training for a triathlon, playing tennis, brewing a batch of homebrew, cooking for friends, or crafting on a woodworking project. I believe the best communities are built not just through policies, but through shared life and connection.

Leadership, to me, begins with showing up — listening carefully, preparing thoroughly, and serving faithfully.

That’s why I’m running for Washington County Commission for District 6. The decisions we make today will shape our county for decades to come, and our community deserves leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, and thoughtful progress.

Integrity means taking time to carefully review major decisions. Issues like the BWXT rezoning proposal affect nearby neighborhoods, traffic patterns, environmental considerations, and long-term land use. Residents deserve leaders who ask tough questions and fully understand the impacts before casting a vote. The closure of the Freedom Hall pool also raised concerns about transparency and community input. When decisions affect our community, residents deserve clear answers and honest discussion.

Accountability means that county government must operate with transparency and fiscal responsibility. From school funding and public safety budgets to major capital projects, residents deserve clear communication about how their tax dollars are spent. I support transparent budget discussions, regular publication of meeting minutes, clear public reporting on major expenditures, and long-term financial planning that helps prevent unnecessary tax increases.

And progress means planning for the future wisely. Washington County is growing, and the real question is how we manage that growth responsibly. Smart planning means ensuring infrastructure is in place before approving large developments, protecting residential neighborhoods while supporting responsible economic growth, and making sure our community has access to affordable housing, groceries, and healthcare.

It also means investing in strong public schools that strengthen property values and ensuring our sheriff’s deputies, EMS teams, and first responders have the staffing and resources they need to keep our community safe.

I believe Washington County’s future should be built with careful planning, honest leadership, and a commitment to the people who live here. District 6 is my home, and I’m ready to serve it with integrity, accountability, and a vision for thoughtful progress.