I’m running for mayor because Harlan is home — and I want to help build a future where the next generation can stay and thrive.
A Place to Build a Life
I live downtown Harlan, and my children attend Harlan City School. Harlan isn’t part of a long-term plan — it is the plan, for me and my family.
When we moved to Harlan County in 2015, I knew almost immediately that this was home — because of the goodness of the people. There was a deep sense of care, pride, faith, and community here that is difficult to find.
At the same time, it was clear that some of the everyday pieces that help a place thrive were missing. Downtown Harlan had Portal Pizzeria and a handful of law and government offices, but there weren’t many places to meet a friend for coffee, sit with a laptop, or gather informally as a community. Many beautiful historic buildings held incredible potential, but were vacant or in disrepair.
Instead of accepting that as “just the way it was,” I got involved.
I joined the Industrial Development Authority and later served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, working alongside others who believed Harlan could be more than it was at the time. The goal wasn’t to copy somewhere else — it was to build the kind of downtown that actually works for Harlan and for families who want to stay.
Since then, I’ve worked to help build the Harlan we want to live in. That includes starting Moonbow Tipple Café & Bookstore and Harlan County Beer Company — businesses designed to be gathering places, employers, and anchors for a stronger downtown.
Building a Strong Town
This isn’t about my own businesses. Over the past decade, my work has focused on building organizations, managing resources, and helping communities turn good ideas into reality — with a constant focus on how that work could benefit Harlan.
I started Invest 606 to support entrepreneurs across Eastern Kentucky, including right here at home. Through that work, I’ve helped local businesses like Sassy Trash and Backroads of Appalachia grow and succeed, and I’ve seen how much potential exists when local people are given the right support.
As an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of the Cumberlands, I taught Entrepreneurship in the Real World, intentionally bringing people from Harlan into that space and connecting them to training and resources that weren’t always available locally.
I’ve also worked to bring outside investment into Harlan in a way that respects our history and strengthens local momentum. I partnered with Louisville investor Gil Holland on Harlan County Beer Company, and he is now working on a downtown hotel and additional projects in two other historic buildings — investments that support jobs, tourism, and long-term growth.
What Works in Harlan
Across all of this work, I’ve learned an important lesson: there is no one-size-fits-all solution — especially in a place like Harlan.
What works here is local. It’s relationships. It’s understanding our history, our scale, and our strengths.
I’ve worked closely with entrepreneurs and small business owners who are starting something from the ground up — people who care deeply about this place and are willing to take real risks to stay here. I understand what it takes to launch and sustain local businesses in Harlan, and just as importantly, what doesn’t work.
That same local focus has to extend to our young people. If we want them to stay, they need real opportunities — places to work, learn, and build a future right here at home.
Economic growth in Harlan doesn’t come from outside saviors. It comes from investing in local people of all ages. This means supporting small businesses, creating pathways for young people, and building a community where the next generation can see themselves belonging and thriving.
The future of Harlan depends on investing in the people who are already here — and in the young people who will carry it forward.
Looking Ahead
I’m running because I believe city government should be a partner in that effort — practical, transparent, and focused on making everyday life better for families, workers, and small businesses.
Harlan’s best days won’t arrive by accident. They’ll come from steady leadership, smart decisions, and a shared belief that this town is worth investing in — right now.
That’s why I’m running. Because I believe in this place, and because Harlan’s future is now.
My Approach
Being mayor isn’t about grand promises — it’s about doing the basics well, every day. My priorities are practical, achievable, and rooted in what families and small businesses need to thrive.
Get the Basics Right
City government should be reliable and responsive.
That means:
Safe streets and sidewalks
Well-maintained water, sewer, and public spaces
Clear communication to keep the community informed
Plans in place for when things go wrong
A city government that follows through and treats people with respect.
2. Build an Economy Where People Can Stay
Harlan’s future depends on whether people can build a life here.
I’ll focus on:
Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs
Making Harlan a place where families want to live, not just visit
Working with regional and state partners to bring resources home
Being smart and disciplined with city finances
3. Lead with Transparency, Care, and Common Sense
People deserve a mayor who listens and shows up.
As mayor, I’ll:
Be accessible and engaged with residents
Make decisions openly and explain the “why” behind them
Treat public service as a responsibility, not a stepping stone
Lead with empathy, especially during hard moments