Why I’m Running

I am running for State Senate to deliver steady, solutions-focused leadership for Senate District 17—leadership that puts people ahead of politics. His priorities are clear: expand access to affordable health care and reduce Iowa’s cancer burden, strengthen public schools and workforce pathways, and grow good-paying jobs. He will be transparent, accessible, and accountable to the people he serves.

I have served in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors with a focus on practical problem-solving and measurable outcomes. I am proud of my lifelong career of bringing people together, building consensus, and delivering results for the communities and organizations guided by the values of personal integrity, service, and respect.

Priorities

  • Affordable health care access—and action to reduce Iowa’s high cancer rates.
  • Strong, competitive public schools that prepare students for today’s jobs.
  • Entrepreneurship, good-paying jobs, and economic development in every neighborhood.
  • Property tax relief that protects homeowners and seniors.

Experience

Public Service & Appointments

  • Presidential Appointee (Senior Executive Service), George W. Bush Administration — National Director, Minority Business Development Agency (Washington, D.C.).
  • Presidential Appointee, Reagan Administration — Special Assistant, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Iowa Transportation Commissioner, Iowa Department of Transportation (Governor Branstad Administration).
  • Chairman, Iowa Commission on the Status of African Americans (Governor Branstad Administration).
  • Legislative Assistant, U.S. Senator Roger W. Jepsen (Iowa) — Washington, D.C.
  • Research Analyst, Iowa Legislative Service Bureau — State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa (legislative bill drafting; staffed House and Senate legislative committees).

Business & Nonprofit Leadership

  • President & CEO, FUELIowa (retired) — statewide petroleum association.
  • Vice President, EMCO Manufacturing — Des Moines, Iowa.
  • Principal Financial Group (Des Moines) — National Markets.
  • Vice President, Governmental Affairs, Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.
  • Executive leadership: Led teams and managed complex, cross-sector initiatives across government, business, and nonprofit organizations.

Community Involvement

  • Member, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church — Des Moines, Iowa.
  • Member, NAACP (Iowa/Nebraska) — Legislative Redress Committee.
  • President, Harvard Club of Iowa (2003–2006).
  • Member, Rotary Club of Des Moines.
  • Trustee, Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa.
  • Former Trustee, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana.
  • Contributor, Outside In, History of African Americans in Iowa 1838-2000, Chapter 14, Politics.

Education

  • Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa.
  • Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government — Master of Public Administration (Public Policy emphasis).
  • Baruch College, City University of New York — Master of Public Administration (Administrative Management emphasis); Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration.
  • University of Iowa — B.A., Political Science.

Fraternal Organizations

  • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Mu Omicron Chapter.
  • Sigma Pi Phi Boule, Epsilon Chapter
  • Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.