Why I'm Running for Congress

After four decades in an industry built on accountability and clear results, I've come to believe that public service should work the same way. I'm not running to start a political career — I am running to serve, and then step aside. Washington has too many people who make a career out of staying, and not enough who are willing to leave on principle.

So I am making this commitment: if elected, I will serve no more than three terms. I will never run for another office. This is a mission, not a career. I want to give this district honest, focused, limited service — and then make room for new leadership.

I also believe Congress should operate with a higher standard of conduct than what we see today. Politics should not be a performance, or a path to fame and fortune. I will not seek or trade endorsements, I will not attack opponents, and I will not use committee assignments as a stage. I will ask real questions, listen carefully, and treat people with respect — the same way I've always worked.

This is not a campaign about me. It is about the people of North Carolina's 5th District and the responsibility of representing them with integrity, humility, and purpose.

I grew up in Clemmons, North Carolina. I attended West Forsyth High School, then headed to NC State and later the University of Georgia, where I graduated in 1985. After college, my career in the insurance industry took me all over the country — Dallas, Richmond, West Hartford, Chicago, Atlanta, back to Richmond, and then back to Atlanta. Spending 40 years in a business built on risk management, responsibility, and relationships taught me a lot about people. The most important lesson was this: listening always brings forward the better ideas and solutions. That approach shaped how I lead teams, make decisions, and work with others.

Throughout my career, service and community involvement were important to me. I have served on boards and committees for the American Heart Association, the Richmond Symphony, Safe Harbor Women's Shelter, the Brantley Center at Appalachian State University, and several national industry associations. I was also very involved with Venezuela Now, and helped lead mission trips to Venezuela. These experiences challenged me, grounded me, and reminded me how much we all rely on one another.

One of the things I am most proud of is helping launch scholarships at six universities to support underrepresented students pursuing degrees in Risk Management and Insurance. App State was the first, and seeing those students find their path in the industry has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. I am also proud of the work I and a colleague did with St. Baldrick's, helping raise more than $350,000 for childhood cancer research.

Fortunately, work and family kept me coming back often to North Carolina. I always hoped it would be my forever home. About ten years ago, my wife and I bought a home in Zionville, and four years ago we moved to Jefferson. We've been married for 37 years. Our daughter and her family live nearby, with our perfect grandson. Our son and his wife live overseas. At home, we share life with Rambo, our long-haired miniature dachshund who believes he runs the place. Please don't ring the doorbell.

I will begin a new adventure in the spring as an adjunct professor at App State, teaching Insurance Operations. I enjoy golf, college sports, travel, and motorcycles. My wife is an avid rider and is learning to play golf.

Thank you — I'd love to hear from you.