Education
United States Military Academy, West Point, New York B.S. Engineering
Experience
US Army Command and Staff positions. Fortune 100 leadership positions. Celina Small Business Owner
Campaign Phone
214-842-3965
We started visiting Celina in the mid 1990s. When we returned to Texas, we chose Celina, and this community to invest our lives in. That was 16 years ago and Celina has experienced incredible growth. In 2016, Rachel and I further invested in our Celina life by starting ANNIE JACK on the historic square. In those 10 years, working with the City, the Celina Chamber, EDC, and the other small business owners has informed my understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead for our community. I want to be a part of shaping Celina’s continued development.
Clearly, population growth has the largest impact on the future of Celina. Accelerated growth puts pressure on infrastructure including roads, water resources, public safety and budgets. The City of Celina has an extremely talented staff roster who understand the issues and vet solutions. Listening to their recommendations, talking with our citizens, business owners, and other stakeholders will yield thoughtful, long-term solutions that balance managed growth while retaining Celina’s unique character and values.
The City’s road expansion and rehabilitation efforts, combined with TXDOT and NTTA investment, place us on the correct trajectory from a roadway network standpoint. Celina’s 2040 Strategic Plan and the Downtown Master Plan provide thoughtful, longterm guidelines for integrated, efficient transportation. Importantly, they strongly emphasize and endorse a network of trails connecting the numerous existing and future housing developments to each other and the Historic Downtown, the heartbeat of Celina. I strongly endorse these investments.
Securing longterm, affordable water resources to accommodate Celina’s accelerated growth will continue to be a priority. As an UTRWD community, Celina’s long term needs will be augmented by water from Lake Ralf Hall. The City has many active water projects underway but, we need to seek water efficiency and sourcing alternatives. Also, the downtown core has an issue with reliable electricity service to residents and businesses. Residents without power, lost business revenue, and lost city sales tax revenue occurs far to often. The City and Oncor need to find solutions.
As stated, securing efficient water sourcing and delivery will improve the price of water for our residents and businesses. Also, continuously evaluate the city portion of the annual property tax rate to balance affordability, public safety, and future investment obligations.
For me, collaboration with the City staff, the residents of Celina, and the local businesses stakeholders is key in evaluating the priorities for the budget. Listening to their priorities, recommendations, and concerns inform the decision making process. In my experience, good leadership welcomes such collaboration. Applying common sense and critical thinking to informed decision making yields smart outcomes.
I think Celina’s 2040 Strategic Plan and the Downtown Master Plan provide a thoughtful, comprehensive roadmap for residential and commercial development that integrates with Celina’s culture and community. Each provide a blueprint for growth while nurturing the historic legacy of Celina and embracing our small town character. Balancing this programed growth with matching infrastructure will be a priority for the near future.
Certainly, reaching out to officials and representatives at the County, Regional, and State level is an important component to shepherding the needs of the city. I know that Celina’s city staff are fluent in tapping into County and State resources. I will use their expertise to guide my efforts in pursuing the individuals and entities that have the capacity to provide value to Celina’s residents and businesses.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Education
Bachelor Degree Behavior Science, MBA Finance and Accounting
Experience
25 + Years Restaurateur, 7 Years Addiction Recovery Service, 2 Years Celina Economic Development Corporation
Campaign Phone
972-439-0589
My drive to serve is rooted in over two and a half decades spent working in the service industry, combined with academic training in Finance and Accounting and two years of experience on the Celina Economic Corporation. These experiences have equipped me with practical knowledge and a genuine commitment to community service. As our city rapidly expands—becoming one of the fastest-growing in the nation—we face mounting challenges, including strained infrastructure, complex entertainment development, and considerable debt. In this climate, thoughtful and informed decision-making is essential to navigate these issues effectively and uphold the best interests of our residents.
As major retailers like Lowes, Home Depot, and Walmart prepare to open in 2026, Celina will experience a boost in tax revenue. These businesses will provide substantial sales tax income, offering a new revenue stream that strengthens the city’s finances without raising tax rates or increasing property taxes. While welcoming this growth, I am dedicated to protecting the unique character of our downtown. I will ensure City Council makes spending decisions with conservative fiscal responsibility, balancing progress with preservation, so our community remains vibrant and appealing for both residents and visitors.
We need to start by improving the condition of current roadways, adding sidewalks, walking paths, and lighting. In addition, I strongly advocate for forward-thinking approaches to future roadway development. By planning ahead for the appropriate number of lanes and turnouts, the city can avoid the costly and disruptive process of tearing up and expanding roads after major developments are already in place. This proactive strategy not only helps prevent unnecessary traffic delays and gridlock but also ensures a smoother, more efficient flow of transportation as the city continues to grow.
Celina’s most urgent infrastructure challenge is maintaining reliable water and wastewater services. The city relies on the Upper Trinity Regional Water District, which faces strain due to rapid growth and unpredictable climate conditions. Relief isn’t expected until Lake Ralph Hall comes online in 2027. To meet demand, Celina must invest in expanded capacity, advance water reclamation, upgrade sewer systems, and promote practical water conservation. These steps will help ensure sustainable solutions and protect the community’s future.
Celina’s current tax rate (.57) is higher than Frisco (.43), McKinney (.41), and Prosper (.50), putting a greater burden on residents. To address this, I propose targeted property tax relief for residents, helping prevent displacement and promote stability. With major retailers like Lowes, Home Depot, and Walmart opening in 2026, increased sales tax revenue can support lowering the city’s tax rate without impacting vital services. I will also prioritize introducing a percentage-based homestead exemption, which would make Celina more affordable and competitive for homeowners, aligning us with neighboring cities.
My fiscally conservative strategy for Celina centers on effectively managing the city’s rapid growth by emphasizing infrastructure development. I am committed to maintaining capital projects funded through responsible debt management, ensuring that essential improvements keep pace with expanding needs. As property values increase, my plan calls for gradually reducing tax rates, providing relief to residents while safeguarding the city’s financial stability. This balanced approach aims to foster sustainable progress and uphold fiscal responsibility throughout each phase of Celina’s development.
My vision centers on fostering sustainable economic growth by requiring that new development is financially self-sustaining, ensuring that the costs do not fall on current taxpayers. By adopting this model, the city can accommodate swift expansion while still maintaining the distinctive “hometown charm” that defines our community. Achieving this balance will depend on strategic, long-term planning and leveraging private sector investment to fund essential infrastructure, allowing growth and tradition to thrive side by side.
To foster meaningful collaboration, I plan to partner closely with Collin County on joint initiatives that address infrastructure and roadway improvements as well as participating in regional planning efforts. These collaborative projects are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and support long-term growth. In addition, aligning with Texas State Government organizations like "Destination Texas" will help raise Celina’s profile as an attractive destination for both tourists and businesses. Drawing on my established relationship with the Celina Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), I will continue to strengthen business attraction strategies, ensuring that Celina remains competitive.
The city council’s top priority is addressing water supply and infrastructure needs, while maintaining disciplined financial management and preserving Celina’s unique character—especially the historic downtown. Supporting high-quality development along Preston Road and Dallas North Tollway is also crucial. As Celina grows, particularly south of Punk Carter, it’s vital to encourage new residents to shop, dine, and explore local recreation. By fostering opportunities for engagement and highlighting downtown’s charm, we strengthen the community and uphold Celina’s “Life Connected” motto.
