Mayor of Mableton, GA
mableton.gov
THE STORY: I was born in Greensboro, North Carolina. My childhood was enriched by summers spent in New York City, Atlanta, and Columbus, Georgia. I’ve always had a passion for technology. By the time I was in college, I was building websites for clients, which became a cornerstone of my career.
During the first Gulf War, while still in high school, I felt a deep call to service and joined the Marine Corps, following in the footsteps of two generations before me. My time in the Marines (eight years in both active and reserve duty), was foundational. I trained in communications, engineering, and counter-terrorism. These experiences solidified my commitment to national security and public service.
Education has been instrumental in shaping my career. I earned a bachelor’s in Computer Technology from North Carolina A&T State University, an MBA from Georgia Tech, and a doctorate in Business Administration from California Intercontinental University. I am also an alum of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Emerging Leaders Program. Additionally, I completed the National Security Program at the United States Army War College.
After completing my military service and academic pursuits, I launched a successful career in cybersecurity. I’ve also been a small business owner, running an IT and cybersecurity firm in Charlotte for five years. Now, as Mayor of Mableton, I’m driven by that same commitment to service, working to build a safe, vibrant, and inclusive community.
WHY I CHOSE TO LIVE IN COBB: Cobb County has always felt like home. My father’s side of the family has deep roots in Atlanta. After he passed, I wanted to be closer to my mother, who had made Mableton her home since the mid-1990s. Mableton’s strategic location, with its proximity to key industries and travel corridors, made it the perfect place to plant roots and build a life.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? My career has been a blend of two passions: cybersecurity and public service. In cybersecurity, I’ve had the opportunity to advise on global cyber threats and transform security practices at major companies. In fact, I was named one of the Global Top 100 Leaders in Information Security.
On the other side, my work as Mayor of Mableton is incredibly fulfilling because it allows me to directly impact the lives of those in my community. From launching the South Cobb Voter Empowerment Project to leading the Democratic Party of Cobb County, my public service journey has always been about empowering people. Now, as Mayor, I’m excited to be at the forefront of building a new city where everyone can thrive.
LEISURE TIME: Leisure time is a rare commodity, but I relish coaching my son’s basketball team and cheering on my daughter at robotics competitions. I enjoy traveling, particularly to visit pre-Columbian ruins. I also love playing golf, tennis, and basketball, and I’m an avid Jeopardy! fan.
BEST ADVICE: I live by a simple yet powerful motto: Do good work, surround yourself with good people, and be prepared to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. Whether you’re leading a city or running a small business, this principle will guide you through the challenges and help you make decisions that benefit everyone involved.
WHAT’S NEXT? We’re only beginning to unlock the potential of Mableton. My focus is on addressing key issues like affordable housing and creating pathways to homeownership. I’m also eager to leverage my relationships with federal agencies to bring more resources and opportunities to our city. Engaging our citizens more effectively and implementing smart, innovative, and environmentally sustainable solutions are high on my agenda. As we continue to build this new city, I’m committed to ensuring that Mableton is a place where everyone can succeed.
