Term: 4 yearsThe school board develops school policies and adopts a budget for school buildings, staff, materials, and equipment. It evaluates the effectiveness of school policies and develops goals for educational improvement in alignment with the TN Board of Education. It keeps citizens informed about the schools and keeps the schools informed about the needs and wishes of the public. It works to pass laws advancing the cause of improving education, and to repeal or modify existing laws and defeat proposed laws impeding that cause. Members should understand relevant laws and regulations and vote and act impartially for the good of the school system.
I am a lifelong resident of District 5 in Hamilton County and a graduate of Brainerd High School. I was raised here, and now I am raising my two daughters here in the same community that shaped me. My family, my work, and my service are rooted here. Through my community involvement, I have built relationships across District 5 and understand both the strengths we can build on and the challenges families face. This is home, and I am fully invested in its future.
One of the greatest challenges will be bringing alignment across a diverse school system while rebuilding trust with families, educators, and the broader community. Many families feel disconnected from decision making, and our schools are balancing academic recovery, workforce readiness, and student well being with limited resources. I will meet this moment by leading with transparency, improving communication, and creating consistent opportunities for community voice. I will work with board members and partners to ensure decisions reflect the needs of students across District 5. That means being present, accessible, and creating space for community feedback. Progress requires trust, built by showing up, listening, and following through.
I bring lived experience, professional leadership, and a deep commitment to service. As a father of two daughters in Hamilton County Schools, I have seen how students can have very different experiences in the same system. That keeps me focused on making sure every child is supported and has the opportunity to succeed. In my role at The Enterprise Center, I lead initiatives that connect families to digital access and resources that improve quality of life and expand opportunity. I have worked closely with educators and community partners to remove barriers students face inside and outside the classroom. I also serve in leadership roles across the community and hold a background in nonprofit, business, ministry, and public management, while pursuing a doctoral degree in organizational leadership. Mentorship is central to my work, helping guide young people into confident young professionals. I lead by listening, building relationships, and staying accountable to the community.
Native Chattanooga. Moved away for short time to pursue post-secondary education. I have been back for 26 years.
A key challenge will be addressing the widening funding gap as voucher programs grow while ensuring strong support for public schools. Another major challenge is retaining qualified teachers by strengthening pay, workload conditions, and overall school climate.
I believe I am well‑qualified for this office because my career and volunteer work have centered on building strong partnerships that support young people. For more than 20 years, I’ve served as a mentor, giving me firsthand insight into how community engagement strengthens students’ confidence and long‑term success. I currently serve as the Tennessee State Chair for the NAACP ACT‑SO program, overseeing seven units statewide. I have also served as Second Vice President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Gamma Iota Zeta Chapter, am a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, and a sustaining board member for the Chambliss Center for Children. These roles have strengthened my leadership, collaboration, and commitment to youth development—qualities that I would bring to the school board.
