My Woodbury Story

When my family and I first came to Woodbury 13 years ago, we thought we were simply choosing a place to live. What we didn’t realize then was that we were planting roots in a community that would shape every part of our lives. This is the city where my wife and I raised our children, where we bought our first home, and where we hope to retire someday. Woodbury has become more than a location. It has become the place that feels like us.

Over the years, as I’ve spent time in our parks, walked our trails, supported local businesses, and connected with neighbors at community events, my sense of belonging here has only grown. Woodbury has poured so much into my family, and that sparked something in me: a desire to give back to the community that has given us so much.

My service on the Multicultural Advisory Committee for Public Safety, the Parks and Natural Resources Commission, and the Washington County Family Advisory Board has given me a front row seat to the inner workings of our city. I’ve seen how decisions made in meeting rooms impact real families, how they shape our parks, our safety, our neighborhoods, and the daily experiences of residents. These roles taught me that local leadership truly matters and that thoughtful, community centered decisions can improve lives in meaningful ways.

But my understanding of service didn’t come only from committees. It also came from life itself. I’m a two time cancer survivor and a parent to a child with special needs. Those chapters of my story taught me resilience, patience, and what it feels like to rely on systems and communities that support you when life is at its hardest. They gave me a deep empathy for families facing challenges and a determination to make sure every resident in Woodbury is seen, supported, and valued.

I am a local pastor who volunteers with and supports several nonprofits and community organizations here in Woodbury. For me, this work has always been about listening deeply, building trust, showing compassion, and bringing people together, even when we don’t all agree. These values aren’t about a title; they’re about how we treat one another. And they are the same values that strengthen relationships and build a truly connected community.

And that’s why I’m stepping forward now. Woodbury is home. It’s the place that has shaped my family and strengthened my purpose. I’m ready to serve on the City Council with gratitude for our past, respect for the present, and a clear eyed commitment to protecting what we love while planning responsibly for what comes next.

This is my Woodbury story, and I’m ready to help write the next chapter with you..