Editor’s note: This post was submitted by the candidate. Read our full election guidelines by clicking here.
As someone who has called Upshur County home for more than 36 years, I have seen our community rise to meet every challenge with a unique spirit of resilience. From the devastating flood of 1985 to the annual success of the Strawberry Festival, our strength has always been our people. Today, I am writing to share why I am seeking to serve this community further as your County Commissioner.
My journey began at Fairmont State University, where I worked my way through school to earn a degree in Safety Engineering Technology. It was there I met my wife, Robin; together, we have raised four children and are now the proud grandparents of six. My professional path took us from the oilfields of Texas back home to Buckhannon in 1989, where I spent 20 years in the timber and finished wood products industries. When the 2008 housing crash impacted our region, I returned to the energy sector, eventually serving as a director of procurement and supply chain.
These decades of experience in capital project management and high-level logistics have prepared me for the specific duties of a County Commissioner. I understand how to manage complex budgets, oversee infrastructure and navigate economic shifts. However, I believe the most important role of a leader isn’t just managing assets — it’s fostering a culture of collaboration.
The challenges facing Upshur County — from infrastructure needs to economic development — cannot be solved in a vacuum. As Commissioner, my first priority will be to build a foundation of teamwork between the County Commission, the Buckhannon City Council, local law enforcement and our healthcare providers. Government officials don’t solve challenges alone; they create the environment where a community can unite to solve them together.
I have served this community as a youth coach, a booster president, an elder at Buckhannon Alliance Church and a member of the Development Authority Board. I am deeply invested in our future. With mutual trust and a shared vision, I believe the success of Upshur County is inevitable.
I look forward to earning your trust and working alongside you to ensure our county remains a place we are all proud to call home for the next 35 years and beyond.
