About Me
Why I'm running for Council
After residing in Staunton for 35 years, I have insights about what's unique and special about the city, as well as needed changes that will help all Stauntonians to flourish. I'd like to apply my skills and experiences in strategic planning, collaboration and communication to help Staunton thrive and grow.
Our city is the jewel of the Shenandoah Valley: we have beautiful parks, a thriving arts scene and a historic downtown that draws visitors from all over the world. Staunton is also comfortable, safe and relatively affordable. These are qualities we need to protect and nurture.
But we also need changes, including promoting business development in the West End, Staunton Crossing and elsewhere; continuing efforts to revive Uniontown; creating more affordable housing; improving collaboration with Augusta County and local agencies to improve services and lower costs; and preparing the city to be more resilient in the face of the growing threat of extreme weather.
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In my 25 years working in information technology, I've had to navigate constant change, in a way that helped my institutions become more effective and efficient, while preserving valued traditions and culture. I'm also proficient in bringing people together to accomplish big projects. I'd like to apply these talents in serving the city as a member of City Council.
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My Background
I'm a recently retired information technology manager skilled in budgeting, planning, cost-benefit analysis and contract negotiation. I've saved hundreds of thousands of dollars for my two most recent employers, Mary Baldwin University and Washington and Lee University, by negotiating with vendors and streamlining services. I also initiated and led a collaboration of more than a dozen institutions nationwide to develop and publish an online teaching tool.
I led seminars for IT managers and made many presentations at national conferences on IT in higher education. I've also been a teacher and communicator. I taught university courses on writing, public speaking, and intercultural communication.
In my first career as a journalist, I gained a deep knowledge of local government processes, covering schools, city government, the environment and other topics at New York Times regional newspapers in Tennessee and Florida. Later, I served as an editor at the News Leader in Staunton, starting a weekly section with coverage of local arts, theater, music and other cultural events. I also led a team of reporters who provided extensive coverage on the merger of Staunton and Waynesboro hospitals, resulting in a statewide public service award.
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I'm active in volunteer work, serving the Local Board of Administration at Parkway Wesleyan Church and leading teams that serve meals at the Valley Mission. I've also taught English as a second language to a local immigrant family and have served as a Neighborhood Watch captain.
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Last but not least, I'll celebrate 39 years of marriage this fall and have three kids and three grandchildren. You can often see me enjoying Staunton's parks and downtown with my five-year-old grandson, who lives locally.
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