I’ve had the opportunity to live in District 4 my entire life—from growing up on Riverside Drive, to purchasing my first homes in Murray Hills, to where I reside today in Battery Place.

The greatest challenge facing District 4 is ensuring that growth and development benefit everyone, not just some. As Hamilton County continues to expand, the risk of leaving working families, longtime residents, and underserved communities behind is real. Balancing infrastructure investment, affordable housing, equitable school funding, and economic development, all while managing limited resources and competing priorities, requires steady, experienced leadership. I am committed to making sure that progress in this district is inclusive, intentional, and accountable to every resident it affects.

My qualifications are rooted in decades of real experience in the classroom and in public service. I hold a Doctorate of Arts in History and spent more than 30 years as a Professor at Chattanooga State Community College, working with students from this community who simply needed someone in their corner.

My years on the Hamilton County Commission have taught me that progress requires more than good intentions. It requires relationships, trust, and the ability to work across differences. I have done that consistently, helping advance infrastructure investments, advocating for a new Orchard Knob Middle School, supporting the Construction Career Center, and pushing for affordable housing and workforce development.

I look to bring a rare combination of academic discipline, community roots, and proven legislative experience. I know this district, I know its people, and I have spent my entire career making sure they are supported and genuinely invested in.