Biography: Raised in Portsmouth and the oldest of 8, I attended Portsmouth Public Schools. I delivered a morning newspaper route, played up to American Legion baseball, Pop Warner football, served as Vice President of the SCA, Captain of the Safety Patrol, and lettered in cross-country/indoor and outdoor track/tennis in high school (District champion).
Attending college after high school, I earned a Bachelor’s (Accounting) from the University of Tennessee. Further on, I received a Master’s from George Washington University (Information Systems), a Master’s from The Ohio State University (MBA/Marketing) and a Master’s from the National Defense University (National Resource Strategy). I am a Certified Public Accountant and taught business classes for eight years at Tidewater Community College. While in the Navy, I was sent to the Executive leadership program at the University of Michigan.

My Navy career (Captain- Finance/Logistics/Retail) took me on four ship assignments and numerous shore stations in Europe, the Middle East, Carribean, Alaska, the West and East Coast. My civilian career led me to leadership positions with a major national forensic accounting firm (Vice President), USO of Hampton Roads (President), Portsmouth City Treasurer (Deputy) and the Housing Development Corporation of Hampton Roads (President).

I have been or am involved in numerous volunteer capacities: Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority-PRHA- (President) Portsmouth Safety Town (President), Portsmouth Chapter of the Military Officers Assn. (President), Oasis Social Ministry-Opportunity Center (Executive Director), Portsmouth Schools Foundation/ Portsmouth Catholic Regional School/Bon Secours Hampton Roads/Portsmouth Police Athletic League (Board member).

I have been awarded or recognized by WAVY-TV 10 WHO CARE, Virginia Mentor of the Year (Virginia Mentoring Partnership), Still Serving Award -twice (Military Newspaper) and Adult Volunteer of the Year (Volunteer Hampton Roads) for my mentoring work in Portsmouth.

I have four amazing and successful daughters, active in running/tennis and am involved with all things Portsmouth.

Why are you running for this office?

To re-establish the integrity of City Council and to provide business and financial leadership (To be an advocate for quality and transparent accounting of City of Portsmouth finances).

What is the top challenge facing Portsmouth, and how would you address it?

Crime is the headliner challenge–at present we are potentially on pace to exceed last year’s homicide rate. We must aggressively take back our neighborhoods with omnipresent neighborhood watch committees, continued police proactive events (bike rides/walks/civic league attendance) and increased use of technology (cameras). Lastly, Council must work closely with the Portsmouth Commonwealth Attorney to ensure we are providing information needed to keep our streets safe when arrests are made.

Secondary issue- To fight crime and to address our economic and housing issues it will take exceptional money management—I want to provide the proven financial and business leadership needed to oversee a one-billion-dollar budget. Not only has the city endured the dismissal of several city managers, but the revolving door of Chief Financial Officer’s must be also addressed. Given our real estate tax rate, the addition of casino revenues and size of our budget, we must have look closer of our financial future and leadership.

What is your view addressing the affordable housing crisis?

Having been Chairman of PRHA and President of the Housing Development Corporation of Hampton Roads, I overwhelmingly support a strong focus on affordable housing–At present there is a 8000 housing family waiting list at PRHA and the need for affordable housing and safe “senior” housing is one of my key issues. Council must take a strong and aggressive leadership role for solutions. Increasing the housing stock in Portsmouth will assist in lowering the real estate tax rate which is burdensome to our existing residents.

The city has a longstanding history of disfunction on City Council. How will you civilly work with your colleagues? Having earned the rank of Navy Captain and the top leadership roles with numerous organizations, I have the skills (listening) and patience to work collaboratively with those who serve on council. I am excited and looking forward to the opportunity to work together, respect other’s thoughts and to share their different opinions.

What is your vision for the former Civic Center and Holiday Inn site in Olde Town Portsmouth?

Both sites offer wonderful economic and housing opportunities for Portsmouth. I fully supported development of the Holiday Inn location when as Chairmen of PRHA, we gifted the Harbor Tower parking garage to the city for plans the city was supposedly establishing. With both sites on the waterfront, i envision retail/restaurant, housing, boating and entertainment activities which will take advantage of this venue. However, my responsibility, will be to assist the City Manager in stabilizing his leadership in finance/planning/utilities in order to create an environment of success, where the staff can develop focused and strong options for council to approve.

What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?

First, to be aware ahead of time of this possible situation to avoid any conflicts and if it does happen to recuse myself from any discussions or matters brought before council involving this individual.