School Board Member
How long have you been serving on the Board?
I am in the process of completing my 7th year as a board member. I have been blessed with being elected to serve two four year terms.
What motivated you to run for the Board of Education? What motivates you to serve today?
I first ran in the 2014 election cycle. My son attended Cove Creek Elementary School at that time and I felt a duty as a parent to be more involved in our school system. I have to say it was scary putting myself out there like this for the first time, but I had strong encouragement and felt I needed to run. I am a native of Watauga County and attended Bethel Elementary and WHS. I appreciate our school system and wanted to do what I felt like I could to show my support for our county.
What is the most enjoyable part of working with your fellow Board members?
I am thankful to say that I serve with, and have in the past also, amazing people who care deeply about our students and county. We have been fortunate to stand together during difficult situations and discuss our thoughts professionally. Even during times we might have disagreed with one another, we were able to talk through our thoughts and stay unified as a team. My experience being on the board has been with individuals who placed the needs of the student as top priority, and that is what makes any school board successful in working together.
Tell me about your career prior to your time on the Board and, if applicable, now.
I have worked full time while being a board member since being elected. When I first ran, I was in law enforcement serving as a criminal investigator. I also pastor a church and own and run a real estate photography business. I stay very busy! After 21 years in law enforcement, I was ready to change my career path and I now work for App State University Housing, along with continuing my above mentioned roles. I serve as the Support Services Supervisor with Facilities. I get to do a little bit of everything in this position and flying drones is one of them! Most of my career has been working around and with students in one capacity or another. I enjoy it. If I could summarize what I “do” in putting all responsibilities together, it would be mentoring. I care about people and want to do what I can to be helpful in guiding people to make good decisions. People are what matters most.