Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

I am a graduate of Louisburg College and NC State University. I am a Certified Public Manager (CPM). I was able to retire in 2009 after a 30 year public service career in juvenile justice working with youth, families, and communities from all walks of life. Under the Administrative Office of the Courts, I served as juvenile court counselor in Robeson/Scotland Counties, and Wake County, Chief Court Counselor in Wake County, Area Administrator in the East and then in the Piedmont.

Under the new Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in 2000, I served as Legislative Liaison, Special Assistant to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary of Administration, and Deputy Secretary of Program Services in the Western part of the State which included Court Services, youth institutions and detention facilities, and community prevention programs.

As Deputy Secretary of Administration I helped develop the infrastructure of a new department such as internal audit, policy, communications, safety, investigations, and legislative/governmental affairs. Through Legislative Affairs I spent a great deal of time working with the General Assembly advocating for youth and families, as well as, needs of the communities and department.

I am married to Michelle Halsey, formerly a Special Education teacher for 9 years, from Ashe County, who is now self-employed. I am the father of four children; Ashley, Tiffany, twins Hunter and Savannah, and foster son Terry. I have one grandson Noah.

I was formerly Deacon Chair, Moderator, and Sunday School teacher at Inwood Baptist Church in Raleigh.

I am currently a member and Sunday School teacher at Bald Mountain Baptist Church in Ashe County

I received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award in February 2009.

I served as a Commissioner on the Governor's Crime Commission and have served in various advisory positions and consultant to local and statewide organizations, boards, and agencies.

I have been a public servant for over 30 years and I would like to continue to represent the people on local boards or other offices. My current desire to represent the people on the School Board goes beyond just sound quality education and a positive learning environment. I will fight for safe and drug free schools along with behavior expectations of our students, and support for our hard working staff and teachers.

We all agree that these are very tight times for all of us. We need to provide the very best education we can to all of our students and support for educators, even with limited fiscal and human resources. I want to be a part of that budgetary process and help insure good stewardship in these difficult times as we continue to move forward in our educational goals as defined by the community.

My work experience has provided me, not only with executive leadership experience, but also with valuable understanding of people from all walks of life. It has provided me with a first hand knowledge of the magnitude of the responsibilities placed on our educators, the expectations placed on our students, and the support and input required by the community.

I have twins that are in elementary school here in Ashe County, a daughter in college, an older daughter who has graduated college and is now working, and a foster son living outside the state. My wife, who is currently self-employed, has taught Special Education for the past 9 years.

Through my experience with work, my children and wife, I feel that I have the necessary qualities to serve our students, teachers and school staff, parents, and our county with the knowledge and integrity that is required of our school board members and elected officials.