Uniquely Qualified to be Mayor
The role of Mayor is much more than a ceremonial position — it is the role of chief executive officer for the city of Denham Springs. The mayor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of city government, managing budgets and personnel, enforcing policies and ordinances, coordinating essential public services, and providing leadership for every department that serves our citizens, including utilities, police, fire protection, public works, and administration. I believe my lifetime of leadership, service, and professional experience has uniquely prepared me for that responsibility.
For more than four decades, I have led teams, managed operations, solved problems, and worked in high-accountability environments where safety, efficiency, planning, and performance mattered every single day. My 39-year career in industry, including 23 years with ExxonMobil Pipeline Company, gave me firsthand experience managing complex systems, coordinating projects, developing training programs, maintaining regulatory compliance, and improving operational performance. As an Electrical Subject Matter Expert, I provided technical support, electrical safety leadership, and compliance guidance across North America while working with teams to develop standards, training programs, and safe work practices.
Throughout my career, I not only managed carefully planned multimillion-dollar projects, but I also responded to the aftermath of major events such as floods and hurricanes, where quick decision-making, organization, and leadership were critical. In those situations, I worked methodically to assess damage, prioritize resources, coordinate teams, and restore major operational assets safely, quickly, and efficiently. Those experiences taught me how to lead during both long-term planning efforts and high-pressure emergency situations.
My time serving on the transition team and later as Chief of Staff for the Livingston Parish President’s Office allowed me to apply those same leadership skills directly in government. In that role, I coordinated the development of the Parish Drainage Master Plan, served as a liaison between agencies and Parish President Randy Delatte, and played a key role in the development of the Parish Master Plan and other major initiatives. That experience gave me a deeper understanding of government operations, long-term planning, interagency coordination, infrastructure development, and the importance of building consensus to move projects forward.
In addition, I have worked closely with state legislators and followed legislation through the Louisiana legislative process, including testifying before committee hearings on bills that directly affected our citizens and local communities. Those experiences strengthened my understanding of how local and state government work together and the importance of effectively advocating for the people we represent.
My fire service background also provided valuable experience directly related to municipal leadership. Over 16 years, I served as firefighter, lieutenant, captain, safety and training officer, commissioner, and ultimately President of the Board of Commissioners. In those roles, I gained practical experience in public safety operations, budgeting, personnel management, training, emergency response coordination, policy implementation, and organizational leadership. I understand the importance of supporting first responders, ensuring departments have the resources they need, and making decisions that protect both public safety and taxpayer dollars.
In addition to my professional and fire service experience, my years of involvement in ministry, scouting, and community service taught me the importance of communication, mentorship, servant leadership, and building strong relationships. Leadership is ultimately about people — listening to concerns, bringing individuals together, and creating an environment where employees and citizens feel valued and respected.
Today, as a City Councilman, I continue building relationships across local, parish, state, and federal government while remaining accessible and responsive to our citizens. I understand both the operational side of leadership and the importance of public trust. My experience gives me the ability to lead not only with vision, but with practical knowledge of how organizations function, how departments work together, and how to build systems that serve people effectively and responsibly.
I believe Denham Springs needs a mayor who understands leadership from both the boardroom and the front lines — someone with real experience managing people, operations, safety, planning, and accountability. My background has prepared me to lead our city with the same principles that have guided me throughout my life and career: servant leadership, integrity, preparation, teamwork, and a commitment to doing what is best for the people we serve.
