Tell us about your campaign.

I’m running because I believe Rutherford County needs thoughtful leadership that listens to citizens, cares about our neighbors, plans for the future, and stays focused on the work that matters most. Our county is growing fast, and we need smart, steady decision-making to protect our quality of life. I have had the opportunity to see what a legislator can do on all levels of government, if they are truly focused on these principles. They can build bridges, invest in people and our community, and find ways to make lives better. Unfortunately, we haven’t always had leaders who listen to all voices, work with people who have a different take, or seek consensus and middle ground. I believe I can be that type of commissioner. My campaign slogan is, “We’re in this together.” I believe that if you live in Kittrell or Lavergne, are black or white, wealthy or working class, this is our home, and we really are all in this together. I want to work together to make Rutherford County the kind of home we want it to be.

In your own words, describe the responsibilities of the office you are seeking.

Our county commission’s primary task is to control the budget for our county government, and in doing so, they have sway over issues of revenue, spending, and saving. Just like your family budget, setting those priorities requires difficult decisions about what gets paid first, what are needs verses wants, how we prepare for future expenses, and hopefully, where to save and give. These are important family decisions, and important county decisions that impact all of us. Also, the process of managing these decisions allows us to set priorities. It is not just a question of how much money is spent for each department, but how that money is spent. I believe it would be my role to advocate for spending priorities in line with fiscal responsibility, but also with the needs of all those I represent.

What are your priorities for this office?

Rutherford County has three big issues facing us. For one, we have routinely been one of the fastest growing counties in the state, region, and nation. With that growth comes exceptional challenges to provide roads without gridlock, schools with appropriate classroom sizes, and housing with adequate infrastructure that helps retain the quality of life we have come to enjoy. We must balance preservation with affordability and the need for more housing, not just for new people moving in, but for the young people who grew up here and want to be able to afford to live near home. Second, we have to navigate the future of solid waste in Rutherford County without Middle Point Landfill. That means ensuring it is closed without extension, we have a plan in place to accommodate our waste, plans to reduce our overall waste, and a watchful eye on the required successful remediation of the landfill site. We have to ensure Republic, the corporation responsible, and our state government do their jobs to turn the landfill into a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment. Third, we have to start expecting better governance. As the fourth largest county in our state, our citizens deserve leaders that listen, embrace ethics and transparency, work together, and genuinely respect all the citizens of our county.

Describe your qualifications for this office.

I have called Rutherford County home since 1994. My wife, Anne, and I live in the Scottland Acres community. We believe in the power and promise of public education. Our daughter, Molly, was educated in Murfreesboro City Schools, Rutherford County Schools, and later graduated from Middle Tennessee State University. Professionally, I bring decades of public service and leadership experience. I have served for 15 years as Chief Information Officer for Primary Care and Hope Clinic, helping guide a vital community health organization through growth and change. Prior to that, I spent 15 years as a Field Representative for U.S. Congressman Bart Gordon, working directly with constituents to solve problems and navigate federal services. My personal mentors taught me to be deeply involved in our community and faith-based leadership. As an active member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, I have served as Chair of the Administrative Board, on the Sanctuary Building Committee and Stewardship Committee, and as a worship leader and Sunday School teacher. My civic involvement includes service on the boards of the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra, Journeys in Community Living, Leadership Rutherford, and the Wesley Foundation at MTSU, and nearly two decades on the board of Main Street Murfreesboro. I was incredible honored to receive the Doug Young Downtown Leadership Award in 2024, in recognition of his long-standing commitment to downtown revitalization.