Executive Insight

Two weeks ago, I stepped into a new role as White County Executive with a deep sense of gratitude. This season of my life has been extremely hectic, and I have had very little time to ruminate on exactly all that has transpired. In this first edition of Executive Insight, I did not know what direction to go. I did not know if I should begin with policies or use it as an opportunity to lay out a few things I have learned in the role. When I sat down to do this, I got a few moments of stillness and an opportunity to reflect. So I simply want to pause for a second.

First, thank you to the people of White County for placing your trust in me. I do understand that trust is not something earned once on Election Day. It must be earned continuously, over time. I am also grateful for the encouragement my family and I have received. The kind words, notes, calls, prayers, visits, and prayers. I cannot adequately communicate how overwhelming the support has been. These first two weeks have reinforced something I have believed for a long time: White County is a special place, blessed with incredible people. I have spent time listening, learning, and gaining an even greater appreciation for our community. County government cannot, should not, and never will meet every community need alone. I am blown away by some of the behind-the-scenes work happening around our county.

I cannot help but think I am just a small-town, homegrown boy from Quebeck. It really is a surreal experience that I just cannot properly articulate. I was raised here, educated here, and I owe everything to this community. My hope is to serve it and give back to it as much as it has given to me. Within two weeks, it is clear that this is a target-rich environment, with so many ways to be effective and impact people’s lives.

This is a rather large responsibility, but that is where meaning is found. This is already the honor of a lifetime, and I can tell within the first two weeks that this is going to be a rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling journey. I know there will be challenges ahead. My hope is to approach them with moral courage and ferocious ambition. No matter how significant the work ahead, the potential of White County is greater.

I begin this journey encouraged by our people, grateful for your trust, and hopeful about what we can accomplish together.