"My campaign is about the future of our communities, our youth, our prosperity, and the values we hold dear."

I am deeply committed to promoting strong communities and have a lifelong record of bringing people together across differences. My dedication to this mission began during my time as an undergraduate at Ohio University when I served on the Athens Community Relations Commission, which works to promote positive relations among all community members. I continued this service later as a City Council member, where I passed legislation extending racial discrimination protections and supported individuals filing discrimination claims with the city or university. These experiences have equipped me with the skills to address complex issues of fairness and equity—skills that are highly relevant to the House of Representatives position I’m seeking.

As a co-leader of the Racial Equity Coalition of Athens County, I have been a leader in the city’s efforts to create an Athens-area community cohesion framework in partnership with the Strong Cities Network, through which I’ve learned and shared strategies for combating hate, polarization, and extremism. In my role as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, I intend to use my dialogue facilitation skills to bring together community members within District 95, fostering greater care and understanding across differences. By encouraging open, honest conversations, I aim to build a more connected and resilient community where everyone feels valued and heard.

"Strengthening and expanding rural broadband access is a key part of ensuring everyone has a seat at the table."

I am committed to improving broadband access in District 95, especially in rural areas where lack of internet is a significant barrier. According to the FCC, nearly 20% of rural Ohioans lack access to high-speed broadband, impacting students who need it for homework and limiting businesses’ ability to compete. As chair of Athens City Council’s City and Safety Services Committee, I’ve already passed legislation expanding broadband access and strengthening cybersecurity. My goal is to see this 20% fall to 10% within the first three years of my service in the House of Representatives. I would advocate for targeted state investments and public-private partnerships to expand high-speed internet, especially in underserved areas. Additionally, I support increasing state funding for cities, towns, and villages to equip downtown areas with free public wifi, similar to downtown Chillicothe’s initiative in early 2019. By improving internet access, we can support students, strengthen businesses, and drive economic growth across our communities.

"Small businesses are a cornerstone of our economy, and I am committed to supporting them and their success."

As a strong advocate for small businesses, I understand their vital role in the economic vitality of our communities, particularly in District 95. Small businesses employ nearly half of Ohio’s workforce, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, making them a cornerstone of our local economy. While the state offers valuable grant resources to help small businesses, these opportunities aren’t adequately reaching Southeast Ohio. To address this, I am committed to creating grant programs specifically for Southeast Ohio residents, ensuring our local businesses have access to the funding they need to thrive. For example, improved grant funds could greatly benefit startups in areas like Barnesville and McConnelsville, where access to capital is often limited. Unlike loans, which must be repaid, grants provide a financial boost without the burden of debt, allowing businesses to reinvest in their growth and operations. Additionally, I support using these grants to help businesses improve ADA compliance, an issue I strongly advocate for as a member of Athens’ Commission on Disabilities. By supporting ADA improvements, we can enhance accessibility and inclusivity, driving economic growth across our communities.

"Educators are the backbone of our communities, and supporting them is a top priority for me."

As a lifelong resident of Ohio who attended Oberlin Public Schools from K-12 and has spent over 15 years as an educator at Ohio University, I deeply understand the challenges facing our education system, particularly in retaining top-quality educators. Ohio’s average teacher salary is approximately $3,154, or 4.5%, lower than the national average, according to data from the National Education Association. This salary gap contributes significantly to teacher turnover, with nearly 44% of Ohio educators considering leaving the profession within the first five years, as reported by the Ohio Education Association in 2022. Such high turnover disrupts continuity in the classroom and diminishes the quality of education our students receive. My specific goal is to close this salary gap within my first term by advocating for increased school funding, ensuring our teachers are not only fairly compensated but also equipped with the resources they need to foster students’ knowledge, skills, and character development. In a rapidly evolving technological world, investing in our educators is essential to prepare our students for future challenges and opportunities.

"Environmental protection is a commitment deeply rooted in my experiences as an Eagle Scout."

Oil and gas incidents happen far too often in Ohio. Between 2018 and early September 2023, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) looked into 1,500 incidents, and 26 of those were right here in Athens County. Recently, the ODNR even had to shut down fracking waste injection wells in eastern Athens County because they were worried about our drinking water.These incidents highlight just how important it is to advocate for strong drinking water protections. Clean, safe water is essential for the health and well-being of our communities. That's why I'm committed to pushing for policies that keep our water free from the risks associated with oil and gas activities.

"I'm committed to boosting public safety by upgrading emergency services and tackling the opioid crisis through better recovery and mental health support."

My commitment to public safety is evident in my work as chair of Athens City Council’s City and Safety Services Committee, where I have been directly involved in initiatives that enhance the well-being of our community. A key achievement in this role has been passing legislation that secured funding and initiated the construction of a new fire station headquarters in Athens. This project is essential for ensuring that our first responders have the resources and facilities they need to protect our community effectively.

Public safety, in my view, extends beyond emergency response to include addressing the root causes of many safety concerns. One of my top priorities is tackling the opioid epidemic, which has had a devastating impact on Ohio. In 2020, Ohio saw 5,017 drug overdose deaths, with opioids being the primary driver of this crisis, according to the Ohio Department of Health. As a member of the House, I would advocate for improved access to addiction recovery services and mental health care, particularly in underserved areas. This includes increasing funding for treatment centers, expanding Medicaid coverage for addiction and mental health services, and supporting programs that provide naloxone (Narcan) to first responders and community members.

My approach to public safety combines the development of robust emergency infrastructure with a commitment to expanding mental health and addiction recovery services. By addressing the opioid epidemic and its underlying causes, we can protect our communities more effectively and support the long-term well-being of Ohioans.

Why are you running to represent Ohio's 95th District?

I’m excited to take on this challenge because many of the ways we’re developing as a society are unsustainable. That’s why I champion five principles of sustainability: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnerships. My life and credentials demonstrate how I’ll lead at the state level—collaboratively, creatively, and with care.

Having spent 21 years in Athens after growing up in Oberlin, my deep connection to Ohio drives my commitment to service. My leadership journey began in high school as student body president and a representative on the Oberlin City School Board. During my undergraduate years at Ohio University, I was appointed by Governor Bob Taft to serve as a student member of the Board of Trustees, igniting my passion for helping individuals and groups make ethical, strategic decisions.

As a member of Athens City Council and chair of the City and Safety Services Committee, I’ve passed key legislation, including expanding local discrimination protections and overseeing the construction of a new fire department headquarters. My experiences with the Athens County Foundation’s Leadership Athens County program and the Voinovich School’s Leading in Appalachia program have prepared me to effectively represent our region’s legislative priorities.

For the past 15 years, I’ve led initiatives at Ohio University that promote community wellness and respect, collaborating closely with city leadership and local organizations. As a co-leader of the Racial Equity Coalition of Athens County, I’ve also represented Athens internationally, learning strategies to combat hate and polarization through the Strong Cities Network.

I’m running to build on the strengths of our region—its natural beauty, vibrant communities, and commitment to sustainability. By bringing people together and promoting ethical, strategic decision-making, I’m committed to ensuring our communities thrive now and in the future.

If I'm going to represent Ohio's 95th district, I am committed to representing all of us who call this district home. I want to know what's important to you, and what you want to see from your representative in Ohio's House. What's on your mind, neighbor?