The County Clerk is one of the most important public facing offices in Knox County. I have more than 30 years experience in Knox County government, including the past 4 as chief of staff in the Clerk's office. I'm running for the opportunity to lead the office I've been helping lead for the past 4 years.
Most of my working life has been with Knox County government in various roles. I served as a commissioner for 6 years, including one year as chairman. I understand the inter-relationships of county government offices, and particularly how county finance works. I have over 25 years experience in fee office finance. I believe this has given me a keen insight into the financial management of a fee office like the County Clerk. I am ready to lead the office on day 1.
The County Clerk probably has more distinct duties than any other county department. I believe the 3 core responsibilities of the Clerk are:
1. Serve the public with courtesy and efficiency. I believe in government of, by and for the people, ESPECIALLY at the local level.
2. Maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency. I will not tolerate ANY waste, fraud or abuse in my administration.
3. Utilize the best available, cost-effective technology to streamline services and improve wait times.
I understand the importance of culture to the success of any organization. I want to foster a culture of positivity where team members feel valued and heard, and are given all the tools they need to serve the public well. I also have an extensive understanding of the financial structure of a fee office, and how it can alleviate rather than increase the tax burden on our citizens.
1. Building a culture of positivity. I want coming to the Clerk's office to be an experience people look forward to rather than dread.
2. Doing an in-depth analysis of the county's population growth by district and community to identify areas that may be underserved as Knox County grows.
3. Digitizing all county commission records in order to make them accessible to the public on a single platform.
Above all I want people to remember that I ran for the right reasons. There are many things that motivate people to run for office - some good and some very self-serving. I have spent most of my life with Knox County government in some capacity, and I genuinely want to help it be the best it can be. I believe running for County Clerk is the most effective way I can do that, and I know I'm prepared for the job.
I love my community, and I’m running because the people of Knox County deserve a government that provides the highest level of service at the lowest possible cost. I grew up in a family where public service was deeply emphasized. I saw firsthand what true service looks like: going out of your way to help people regardless of who they are, standing firmly on your principles, and doing what’s right—even when it may come at a cost. Few offices are as close to the people as the County Clerk’s Office. For many, it serves as the “front door” to local government. I want to help and serve people and this is the perfect office to utilize my experience in both the public and private sectors.
With more than two decades in the private sector, I’m the only candidate in this race with significant experience in the real world and outside the "bubble" of the City County Building. I also am the only candidate who has led a “fee office” in Knox County Government. Throughout my career, I’ve managed large numbers of employees, teams, complex data systems, and extensive public records both inside and outside of government.
I've worked in banking, leading branches and managing multiple departments as VP of a regional bank. I've started businesses, served as a CEO, and most recently have worked as Territory Manager for Comcast. As County Trustee, I cut the budget, made reforms that saved millions of dollars and set records for revenue.
The County Clerk has numerous important official responsibilities, some of which include handling vehicle registrations, issuing business licenses, marriage licenses, collecting business taxes, maintaining records, and serving as the clerk of the County Commission.
The Officeholder has the responsibility of being a trusted steward of the people of Knox County’s hard earned tax dollars and leading the office with efficiency, respect, and a heart for service. In the past, the County Clerk’s office has been abused and misused. As County Clerk, I will ensure that not a single cent is wasted and the people of Knox County get the best service possible.
I believe I will be successful as County Clerk because I am fiscally conservative and will eliminate waste. I treat everyone with kindness and respect, no matter who they are or where they come from. I also know what true public service looks like: Putting others ahead of yourself, going out of your way to help people, and always doing the right thing. I will bring a business like work ethic and a full time commitment to the office. I work around the clock and don't stop at 4:30. I also will surrond myself with the best team possible, seeking wisdom and performing due dilligence before making major decisions. I will lead with integrity, transparency, and a sincere respect and appreciation for the people of Knox County.
Improving services, reducing waste, and increasing transparency.
I’m running for County Clerk because, at the end of the day, I just want to serve and help people. With a background that includes real world private sector experience and a history of fiscally conservative management, I will lead the Clerk's office to provide better service at the lowest cost possible. The people of Knox County deserve an office, and a government, that will serve them and put them first. As County Clerk, I will never let you down.
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