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Current Occupation
Wild Flower Productions
Campaign Phone
828-291-2575
My goal is simple: preserve what makes Saluda unique while helping it thrive for future generations.
For more than 47 years, I have built a career centered on leadership, business management, marketing, education, and community service.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
- Corpsman, US NAVY Reserves - 1975–1981
- EMT, Cardiac Tech, Metro Ambulance Service
- EMT, Firefighter, Douglas County Fire Department, 1979–1980
- Director of Fine Wine, Republic National Distributing Company - 1980–2004
- Store Director, Beach Liquors - 2012–2022
- Vineyard Operations & Marketing, Point Lookout Vineyards - 2022–2024
- Tasting Room Manager & Marketing, Two Trees Distilling Company 2024–Present
- Owner, Wild Flower Productions, Present
✓ Listen first and represent all residents
✓ Promote smart, controlled growth
✓ Support responsible business development
✓ Maintain fiscally responsible city budgets
✓ Strengthening communication with local communities ✓ Support public safety
✓ Preserve Saluda's unique character
✓ Expanding outdoor recreation opportunities
✓ Partner with and support our local businesses
✓ Build an even stronger sense of community
3 Items
1. Address the aging infrastructure regarding water & sewer systems.
2. Continue to work on funding & implementation of the Saluda Grade Trail.
3. Become more involved with the business community to help drive tourism in the cooler months.
Leadership begins with listening. I don’t pretend to have every answer, but I promise to approach every decision with honesty, common sense, transparency, and respect for every citizen. Together, we can preserve what makes Saluda special while preparing thoughtfully for its future.
I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote.
Thank you for your support.
EXPERIENCE DOES MATTER
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
- Children's Home Society – Daytona Beach, Fl. 5 years on the Board of Directors
- WSRE Public Television – Pensacola, Fl. 7 years on the Board of Directors (4yrs on the Executive Committee)
- Downtown Improvement Board — Pensacola, Fl. Chairman of the Special Events Committee for 6 years.
- Downtown Business Development Committee – Pensacola, Fl. Board member for 5 years.
- Grand Lagoon Coalition – Panama City Beach, Fl. Served 2 years as Committee Chairman, uniting residents, businesses, and government officials to improve community development and tourism.
Position/philosophy statement
Steady, forward progress for Saluda
Current Occupation
Communications and Community Outreach
For the eight years since, I haven't just lived in Saluda. I've shown up for it. Serving this town has been the steady work of my life here, from planting flowers in the park to designing the billboard out on the highway, and I've been proud to give my time to some of the boards and groups that keep Saluda running:
• Friends of McCreery Park, 2019 to present
• Polk County Library Board of Trustees, 2022 to present
• Planning Board, 2023 to present
• Saluda Tourism Development Authority, 2025 to present
• Historic Saluda, Member-at-Large, 2026 to present
Saluda works because people show up for it, not once, but year after year. For eight years, that's exactly what I've done, on our boards, in our parks, and alongside the neighbors and leaders who keep this town moving. I'm running to keep that steady, honest work going: no grand agenda and no sharp turns, just consistent progress that looks out for everyone who calls Saluda home.
• Steady, not flashy. Real progress comes from follow-through, not big promises.
• A proven commitment. Eight years of service on the boards that keep Saluda running.
• For everyone. Decisions that balance our history, our charm, and our future.
My only agenda is consistent, honest work: steady, patient progress that benefits everyone. I've already had the privilege of working alongside many of the leaders who've brought Saluda this far, and I'd be honored to help carry the legacy they've built into its next chapter.
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Position/philosophy statement
Protecting our Past. Building our Future.
Current Occupation
ESL Teacher & SCLT Trails Associate
Age (optional)
25
I've taught English Language classes at AB Tech Community College and am serving in a new role with the Saluda Community Land Trust as the Trails Associate and Outreach Liaison. I have given Train Tales lectures with Saluda Depot Museum and serve on the board of Historic Saluda Inc. All of these experiences, from teaching diverse language learners to working outside building trails to preserve Saluda's rural landscape, demonstrate my commitment to serving others, especially here in Saluda. I will continue to approach the work of being one of Saluda's City Commissioners with the same attitude of service, attentive listening, and data informed policymaking.
First, I will work to preserve the historic and rural character of Saluda. Second, I hope to create economic vitality through a focus on workforce housing and supporting small-businesses in our community. Finally, I will seek to apply to as many state and federal grants as possible to update Saluda's public infrastructure to be more resilient. These projects include energy, water, sewer, roadway, pedestrian, and stormwater infrastructure projects that the city has authority over, in addition to use the position of City Commissioner to advocate for the state to be proactive on projects under its jurisdiction.
While everyone in Saluda pays state and federal income taxes, Saluda will only ever get to see those tax dollars return to our community if our city is proactive in pursuing state and federal grant programs. These programs require research, applications, and a lot of follow up work to ensure everything is implemented properly, but I am eager to do that work to make sure that Saluda gets our infrastructure needs met without raising local property taxes.
I grew up in WNC and spent childhood summers visiting my grandparent's cabin in Saluda. I have been lucky to call Saluda home since graduating from George Washington University. Saluda's rich heritage, vibrant small business community, and strong neighborly community are so special, and I'm determined to work hard to ensure that culture and legacy are carried on for the next generations to enjoy for years to come.
