Transformational Leader with $26.5 Million in Community Impact
Municipal leader who delivers transformational results through strategic vision and hands-on execution
I am a municipal manager who delivers transformational results: $26.5 million in grant funding secured, innovative programs created from concept to legislative approval, and decades-old infrastructure challenges solved. From establishing Oregon's Regional Rural Revitalization (R3) program and securing $10 million in housing funding, to obtaining $15 million for Lakeview's water infrastructure and $1.5 million for Shady Cove's municipal water system, I consistently turn vision into reality.
My Approach
I combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution, whether that's proposing legislation to the Oregon Legislature, navigating complex grant processes, or building community partnerships that extend resources four-fold.
Why?
Every city deserves leadership who can maintain excellence and drive innovation. My track record demonstrates exactly that combination—delivering major wins while ensuring accountability and transparency in all operations.
Major Achievements
From Vision to $26.5 Million in Community Impact
Conceived, developed, and successfully proposed to legislation new intergovernmental agency designed for rural cities. It enables member municipalities to “hunt as a pack”, pooling resources (like expertise, capital, and assets) to manage and execute community development projects that would be difficult to undertake individually. Results: John Day-200 housing units, Lakeview-18 shovel-ready lots, Baker City-28 housing units.
Secured ARPA funding in collaboration with Regional Solutions and Governor Brown’s administration to address iron and manganese contamination in the water supply. Directed improvements to municipal wells, installed protective fencing around a key spring source, and implemented GIS mapping to inventory the aging pipeline system. These efforts established a solid foundation for comprehensive infrastructure renewal.
A $300,000 grant transformed the park into a revitalized community space featuring outdoor amenities, including a splash pad, where families and seniors can enjoy accessible, low-impact recreation. Today, it serves as a vibrant, welcoming hub at the heart of Lakeview.
The secured $1.5 million grant is making Shady Cove’s first municipal water system a reality, removing a barrier that has persisted for decades. The absence of reliable infrastructure has long hindered new housing development, leaving buildable lots vacant and projects stalled, and has placed local businesses and residents at risk during frequent water shortages.
Additional Strategic Accomplishments
Strategic Community Partnerships
Expanded the Highway 62 beautification initiative from a one-year roadside cleanup to a transformative four-year revitalization effort, forging strategic alliances with regional fiber-optic companies to integrate infrastructure upgrades alongside aesthetic improvements. This collaboration not only elevated the city’s visual appeal but also modernized critical utilities, strengthened economic potential, and demonstrated the power of public–private partnerships to deliver lasting community value.
Long-term Project Completion
Brought to life Shady Cove’s long-awaited welcome sign, a project stalled for more than a decade, by navigating design, funding, and public input processes to successful completion. The new sign serves as a gateway landmark, reinforcing civic pride, enhancing the town’s identity for residents and visitors, and marking a tangible win in Shady Cove’s ongoing effort to present itself as a vibrant, inviting destination.
Bullard Canyon Dark Sky Camping
Developed 30 designated dry-camping sites in Bullard Canyon to support dark-sky recreation, positioning Lakeview within a $10 billion-a-year and rapidly growing niche tourism sector. As part of the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary team that secured Dark Sky Sanctuary status for over one million acres, I helped protect and promote some of the nation’s most pristine night skies. With 62% of travelers planning stargazing trips, these sites deliver unmatched night-sky experiences, attract outdoor and astronomy enthusiasts, extend visitor stays, and strengthen the local economy.
Professional Experience
City Administrator | Shady Cove, Oregon
2023 - Present
Innovation & Technology Leadership:
- AI Technology Development & Municipal System Modernization
- Housing Innovation & 3D Technology Implementation
- Digital Infrastructure Development & Citizen Engagement
- Technology Modernization: Leading implementation of updated administrative systems
Leadership & Governance:
- Provided steady, decisive leadership and institutional continuity during a period of political transition. Maintained operational stability, safeguarded public trust, and ensured that essential city functions, policy initiatives, and strategic priorities continued without disruption.
- Navigated the complexities of the impacts of social media driven political dysfunction. Created and implemented a comprehensive social media policy to guide official communications, counter misinformation, and promote transparency.
- Accountability: Demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transparency ensuring decisions and actions consistently reflected the highest ethical standards. Maintained public trust by fostering open communication and reinforcing integrity as a core value in municipal governance.
- Leadership & Governance: Provided steady leadership during periods of organizational upheaval, guiding the city through uncertainty with clarity and purpose. Ensured ethical principles remained at the forefront of decision making, preserved operational stability, and reinforced community confidence in the city’s governance.
Financial & Operational Excellence:
- Secured $1.5 million grant for municipal water delivery system, solving 30-year infrastructure challenge
- Municipal Budget Management & Financial Stewardship
- Grant Writing & Funding Acquisition Technology
- Regulatory Compliance & Policy Innovation
- Restored municipal compliance after inheriting 4+ years of systemic neglect
Community Development & Engagement:
- Extended city beautification program from 1 to 4 years through strategic partnerships
- Completed 10-year welcome sign project, enhancing community identity
- Public Speaking & Thought Leadership
- Community Engagement: Facilitating transparent communication between city government and residents
- Created 30 dry camp spots in Bullard Canyon for dark sky recreation
Town Manager | Lakeview, Oregon
December 2022 - 2023
Key Achievements:
- Secured $15 million grant from Governor Brown's administration for water infrastructure transformation
- Wrote and obtained complete grant funding for family community park with splash pad
- Successfully managed stable municipal operations and strategic initiatives
- Delivered lasting recreational amenities serving community for 3+ years
- Maintained high standards of municipal service delivery
Housing Innovation, Scalable Expertise
Bridging Housing Accountability
Bridging State Housing Accountability Programs
When Oregon’s Department of Land Conservation and Development launched the Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) in 2024, I was already leading my city in implementing streamlining strategies, including zoning simplification, standardized building requirements, and expedited project review. This approach not only met regulatory obligations but also leveraged disruptive innovations, such as tech-enabled permitting systems, to accelerate approvals. The same expertise aligns with the objectives of California’s Housing Accountability Unit (HAU), demonstrating how pairing streamlined processes with technology can produce cost-saving, measurable, and scalable housing results.
Tech Enabled Co-Living
Introducing fully furnished private rooms with shared amenities, bundled utilities, and flexible leases creates immediate affordability, fosters community, and supports residents with mobile or seasonal lifestyles without requiring public subsidies.
Adaptive Reuse at Scale
Converting older motels or commercial spaces into housing—using targeted incentives and streamlined approvals to keep costs low and timelines short.
Missing Housing
Through zoning simplification and community engagement, I create pathways for duplexes, fourplexes, and courtyard homes in existing neighborhoods, increasing housing diversity while protecting city character.
Specific Relevance to any City
By implementing innovative funding strategies, new pathways for housing and infrastructure development even in resource-limited rural settings have opened up. Tools such as tax increment financing, housing trust funds, and blended public private equity models have attracted significant private and public investment while reducing project risk. Initiatives integrated with streamlined technology, enable rapid deployment of funding tools and guaranteeing every dollar is used strategically. This has accelerated project delivery with measurable, economic and community benefits.
Strategy & Grit
Public service in today’s environment demands courage, ingenuity, and the ability to deliver results against steep odds. I have turned some of the most complex municipal challenges into transformative wins — securing and managing multi-million-dollar funding for housing and infrastructure in communities that were told it could not be done. I deploy dormant tools such as tax increment financing, housing trust funds, and blended public private equity models to unlock significant investment while protecting public resources. By integrating advanced technology into funding and project delivery systems, I cut timelines, increase transparency, and ensure every project produces measurable, long term gains. My leadership has built coalitions that cross political and economic divides, leaving communities stronger, more resilient, and positioned for growth they once thought was out of reach.
Being Bold
I lead with clarity, and an unwavering focus on results. My work unites stakeholders who rarely agree, creating powerful coalitions that move projects from concept to completion ahead of schedule and under budget. I excel at seeing value where others see roadblocks — turning vacant properties into economic engines, aligning housing development with infrastructure upgrades, and deploying technology that accelerates delivery by months or even years. Every initiative I lead is designed to create lasting, bold change: stronger local economies, greater community resilience, and a standard of excellence that raises expectations for what is possible in public service.
Ready to Serve
Why Now?
I am ready to bring my record of turning complex municipal challenges into transformative results to a community that values both excellence and innovation. I am not running from problems; I am a proven problem solver who leads with vision, urgency, and the ability to deliver measurable outcomes. Having guided organizations through high stakes situations and emerged with stronger systems, deeper partnerships, and lasting results.
I am not running from problems; I want to contribute to a larger city with established processes and high standards already in place. My goal is to further expand my expertise while stepping into a well-functioning environment where I can add value immediately, learn from proven systems, and help elevate performance to even greater heights.