Richland City Council Pos 4

Elected Experience
12 years elected leadership of the Richland Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). 5 years elected commander.

Other Professional Experience
Served 11 years as an active-duty Army Counterintelligence Agent. Still serving in the Army Reserve since 2023-present. Hanford Patrol from 2017-present on the Tactical Response Team. 

Education
2 Master’s Degrees (Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts with focus in Politics/History). Graduate of the Defense Language Institute.

Community Service
VFW Honor guard for funerals, events, and educational activities. Provides K9 therapy for Kadlec Hospital, Love on a Leash, and VFW which visits Hospitals, Memory Care Centers, assisted living facilities, and retirement homes. Veterans Therapeutic Courts Mentor of Benton County.

Statement
I joined the Army after witnessing the attacks of September 11th as a high school senior. I served for 11 years as a Counterintelligence Agent, including multiple deployments to Afghanistan. That experience taught me discipline, accountability, and servant leadership.

After returning home, I continued serving our community through the VFW, supporting Veterans Court programs that help rehabilitate struggling veterans, and volunteering alongside my therapy dog at Kadlec Hospital for patients, families, and staff.

I am running for Richland City Council because local government should focus on practical solutions, responsible spending, safe neighborhoods, and removing unnecessary bureaucracy. I have already identified outdated municipal codes and inefficiencies that can be improved to better serve taxpayers and residents. We need to not only balance our budget but create a surplus while reducing taxes on an overburdened population. 

This is a nonpartisan race, and I believe leadership should focus less on politics and more on people. At the VFW, we check politics at the door and take care of people. That is exactly how I will serve on City Council. I refuse to profit from the city council work which is why I will donate my paychecks to local charities. We can do this!

Elected Experience
Elected to the American Association for the Advancement of Science Biology Section Steering committee and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Public Affairs Advisory Committee, Orchard Hills HOA Secretary

Other Professional Experience
Staff Scientist; PNNL Adjunct Professor; WSU Small Business Owner

Education
Ph.D; Biochemistry South Carolina: 

Community Service
Various RSD PTO/Bomber Boosters/Richland Band member; Mid Columbia Ballet volunteer; Various sports teams coach and coordinators; Math is Cool coach; Judge for School and Mid Columbia Science Fairs; Active member of Richland Lutheran Church

Statement
For more than 30 years, Richland has been my home. I have raised my family here, participated in our schools and community organizations, and watched our city grow into the vibrant and thriving community it is today. My professional background in science, education, and small business ownership has given me the ability to evaluate complex issues, communicate clearly, and make thoughtful, evidence-based decisions. Throughout my years of community involvement, I have learned the value of collaboration, transparency, and respectful dialogue.

I believe the City’s priorities should include managing growth and infrastructure responsibly, supporting economic stability and workforce development, and protecting public safety, parks, riverfront access, and community resources for future generations. I understand the importance of balancing responsible growth with preserving the character, quality of life, and environmental resources that make Richland unique. I am seeking to serve on the Richland City Council because I care deeply about our community and believe in leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, social responsibility, and fiscal stewardship. 

As a Council Member, I will listen carefully, work collaboratively, and remain committed to making decisions that reflect the needs and values of the Richland community today and into the future.