Gaston County
Commissioner
South Point Township

We are taking a common sense approach to the needs of the people of Gaston County. We actually want to hear from you, our neighbors, about the issues that are most important and how we can help improve the lives of all the citizens in our county.

Please let us know what your concerns are and if you can, come out and help us make Gaston County a better place to live

Gaston County Native

I am a Gaston County native and have spent most of my life working and living here. Being from this area, I feel that I can relate to the needs of the people in Gaston County. My wife, Paige, and I have many family and friends in our community that have expressed concerns about the leadership in the county and have helped me decide to run for Gaston County Commissioner.

After graduating from East Gaston High School in 1982, I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served 10 years active duty service and 11 years in the Air National Guard. I served in many areas around the world as well as being a Desert Storm veteran and serving in a support role in Afghan Freedom. In 2003 I retired as a Master Sergeant from the 169th Fighter Wing at McIntire ANG Base. As a weapons instructor and supervisor on numerous aircraft including the F-16, F-15, F-117a (Stealth Fighter), my leadership skills were brought to a level that has helped me through out my professional career.

In 1992 I was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff in Gaston County where I served for more than 30 years. In that time, over 15 years were on command staff; working on office budgets, policies, and contracts.

The following are positions held at the Sheriff's Office:

Detention Sergeant
Lieutenant Internal Affairs
Captain of the Fugitive, Sex Offender, Poker Machine Registration and Training Divisions
NC School Director and in-service Coordinator
- Specialized Instructor
  - Firearms
  - Defensive Tactics
  - Subject Control and Arrest Techniques
  - Taser
  - Def-Tech Chemical Munitions
  - ASP baton
Promotions Director
Policy and Procedures, Rules of Conduct Manager
Asst. Jail Administrator

In 2005, I graduated from the FBI National Academy for Law Enforcement Administrators at Quantico - where I worked on graduate-level studies through the University of Virginia.

In 2017 I was hired at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and currently hold the position as Training Coordinator in the Executive Security Division.

Family Life

My wife of 27 years, Paige, and I both are originally from Gaston County. Our families have deep roots in Gaston County, working in textiles, construction, law enforcement, and medical career fields. We also have had many members of our families in the military, serving in every war and conflict in this past century. I am very proud to have served in the U.S. Air Force and salute everyone in Gaston County who has been a part of our military.

We have two wonderful children, Payne and Payton, who are starting out in their adult lives. Both Graduated from South Point High School and attended universities here in North Carolina. Payne is a manager here in Gaston County, while Payton is an Elementary School Teacher in Wilmington, North Carolina.

My church life is a very important part of me. My church family and friends have always helped me get closer to my Lord and Savior through fellowship, worship, and prayer. We all need a guiding light in our lives and between my church, family, and friends, I have learned my direction in life. I have never been a perfect person and have never claimed to be, but I try to be the best person that I can be. I think helping the people of Gaston County is my next task in life. I will ask assistance from the people that have gotten me this far in life, as well as listen to the people of Gaston County.