Nearly 20 years ago, while living in Midtown Memphis, I began what I call my intentional community contributions. Shortly after purchasing my first home on North Barksdale, my house was broken into twice. Rather than let crime define my neighborhood, I chose to take action. As my wife and I started a family, I became more outward-focused in my priorities. I served as block club president in the Vollintine Evergreen Neighborhood (VECA), organizing quarterly meetings, pushing for stronger security measures like cameras and patrols, and working with neighbors and undercover police to reduce crime. Under this effort, a known drug house on our street was shut down, which showed me the impact of community leadership. I also launched VECA’s Nextdoor platform, which grew into one of the city’s largest neighborhood networks.

When our daughter was ready for school, my wife and I searched for a community that offered safety, value, good schools, and room to grow. Lakeland had all of those qualities, and in 2013 we made it our home. Within months, I founded a Nextdoor group for Plantation Hills, was elected neighborhood president, and quickly became involved citywide. I began writing for Lakeland Currents, managing its social media presence, and even live-tweeting city meetings to improve transparency. From there, I contributed to projects ranging from landscape improvements at Lakeland Elementary and City Hall to planning buffers for Beverle Rivera. I served on the Parks and Recreation Board and was humbled to be named Lakeland Person of the Year in 2015 and subsequently Person of the year in 2021. I also supported local initiatives through sponsorships for the PTA, Tour de Lakeland, LMPS football, Lakeland cheer, drama programs, and more.

For more than seven years, I served as Lakeland Commissioner and Vice Mayor, bringing a broad mix of experiences and ideas to the role. My work included serving as liaison to the Municipal Planning and Design Review Commissions, the Economic Development Commission, and the Board of Appeals. I also had the honor of representing Lakeland in organizing the Shelby County Bicentennial Celebration and advising on the Lakeland Development Task Force. Most significantly, as Commissioner I delivered on my platform—working with my peers to secure Lakeland’s first high school and advancing initiatives that strengthened safety, education, and quality of life for our community.

– Brought Flock Security to Lakeland
– Initialized the Speed Limit Digital Sign
– Improved maintenance of Lakeland properties
– Worked with businesses to have better facilities, signage, maintenance
– Stopped unwanted Development
– Brought forth a Moratorium for Apartments
– Brought forth the Lakeland 2040 Vision Initiative, adopted through PULSE
– Initialized more preservation and buffers throughout Lakeland
– Initialized the updating of city code with stronger standards
– Held the MPC/DRC liaison position for two years with strong results

My background in history, architecture, education, management, and small business has equipped me with the knowledge and organizational skills needed for effective city leadership. I am committed to bringing forward renewed, thoughtful, and positive plans for Lakeland’s growth.
I believe our city is only beginning to realize its potential. With careful planning, we can maintain a strong harmony between commercial development, residential life, and our natural environment—ensuring that Lakeland grows while preserving the high standards that make it such a special place to call home.

Goals Achieved 
                                                                      
As Lakeland Vice Mayor and Commissioner my plans included but were not limited to:

Pro School for K-12:
  – I supported a complete K-12 system over 5 years ago, they have my unwavering support
  – To support the Lakeland Municipal School System so it can remain the best in Tennessee
  – To continue to support the Lakeland School System and its schools expand in curriculum, the arts and athletic programs   

Pro Smart Growth: The Lakeland 2040 Vision
  – Establishing a 20 year vision for development, preservation and Lakeland as a whole
  – Preserving the natural beauty of Lakeland, the lakes, the hills, the forests
  – Aesthetically raise the bar for residential housing and commercial development
  – To zone properly so that homes are not infringed upon by commercial areas         
  – To practice restraint in Commercial and Residential development approvals, raise the bar for future growth, improve code and zoning standards.
  – To establish more scenic corridor classifications so that Lakeland keeps its natural beauty. This idea would in turn be extended to HWY 70 to make sure it does not become a Germantown Parkway.
   
  Paving:
  – Continue an aggressive budget on paving/repairing our roads 
  – This is not implying patch or sealing but complete paving
  – To push for the FY budget to pave more neighborhoods

  Keeping Hwy 70 Sacred
  – I have lone voiced my concern about Hwy 70 becoming Germantown Parkway in 10 years and I have made my actions reflect that belief.
  – This is part of the Lakeland 2040 Vision initiative I proposed that we limit commercial and other types of development along 70 and use buffers to protect the pastoral look of Hwy 70 in Lakeland.
         
 New Canada Road: 
  – The land is acquired, the plans are set for engineering and demo starting in late 2021 and completion by 2023/2024. Meanwhile  I  want to ensure all measures have been taken to make this safe for Plantation Hills and Woodbridge and does not diminish quality of life, safety or home values. Windward Slopes and Lakeland Estates will also be impacted. We want to make sure high safety and aesthetic standards are upheld.
 – The City Engineer said there is latitude in the renderings, landscape and signs that will be  constructed for entrances leading into Plantation Hills and Woodbridge. I hope to have meetings with all stakeholders (you the residents) to ensure we have a voice.    

 Improve the Landscape and aesthetics of Lakeland: 
  – To remove the unsightly vegetation along Huff and Puff and install a three layer landscape of trees and shrubs for a more pleasant drive, better visual and sound barrier for Herons Ridge and The Pointe. This would have a positive impact on all residents off Seed Tick.
  – To find better solutions for maintenance and better grading, along 64, Canada and 70, to avoid tall weeds and debris. This will turn make sight-lines safer for drivers. 
– I have already and will continue to work with commercial properties for higher standards
                                                                
  Safety and Security:
   – Security Camera Implementation (FLOCK) and more cameras
   – More SCSO patrols and increased security measures for areas most affected 
   – To introduce roundabouts (traffic circles) and raised walkways to Lakeland
   – Begin discussions on forming a police department one day 

 North Lakeland:
   – To give support for better services in North Lakeland without infringing on their rural setting
   – To ensure the residents of North Lakeland have a voice 

 Stonebridge and Woodland Park:
  – Increase police presence to stop speeders and theft 
  – Use buffers of vegetation to soften the sound of traffic and other noise from I-40 and 64     
  – Watching and Intervening when possible concerning the health of the Stonebridge Golf Course
  – To improve aesthetic standards and sort out solutions for rental homes that are neglected

 Parks and Rec. 
 –  To see the vision through of having an athletic complex and trails and connect the city   
  – To see all manner of programs from Live at the LAMP to the Christmas Tree Lighting and Easter Egg Hunt expand to connect our town  and allow venues where our residents can fellowship

   – To solve the issues of flooding wherever they arise such as the neighborhoods along 70 and further north
   – To improve roadways and use state funding or other means
   – To support and encourage small businesses growth and success whenever possible
   – To support and encourage volunteer effort that improve community
   – To see organized events like The Lakeland Yard Sale grow and allow residents ways to clean house and for others to find affordable goods to purchase. This is a wonderful way to support one another as a community. 

Academia: 
EDUCATION
University of Tennessee-Knoxville BA, history, religious studies, cinema studies 1997 – 2000
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary MA, Philosophy, religion 2000 – 2002
Union University MA, Education 2009 – 2010

HONORS & AWARDS
Deans List University of Tennessee May 1998
Top History Major Phi Alpha Theta University of Tennessee, history department April 2000
Historical Student Achievement Honor University of Wales at Swansea December 1998
Deans List University of Tennessee May 1999
Deans List University of Tennessee August 1999
Deans List University of Tennessee December 1999
Deans List University of Tennessee May 2000
Graduated Magna Cum Laude University of Tennessee May 2000
Lakeland Person of the Year 2015
Lakeland Person of the Year 2021