06/03/2026
Acceptance of Chairman of the Year Award
This Saturday, at the Lincoln Day Rewards Dinner, I was honored and pleasantly surprised to receive the Chairman of the Year Award as the Chairman of the City of Gary, Indiana. It has been an incredible journey, and this recognition means a great deal, especially given the relatively short time I have served in this role. I am proud to follow in the footsteps of remarkable leaders like Ivan Ursery, Dr. Douglas Wright, Dr. Quentin P. Smith, Judge Calvin Hawkins, and many other outstanding gentlemen who have done exceptional work before me.
Importance of Leadership and Collaboration
In our state, there is a critical need for balance and influence in business development and governance. This challenge can often feel overwhelming, but I have been set up for success thanks to the strong leadership of County Chairman Randy Niemeyer and the support of neighboring cities throughout Northwest Indiana. Together, these communities have embraced collaboration aimed at advancing regional growth.
Community Engagement and Mentorship
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and mentor groups such as the NAACP, the Urban League, and numerous Chambers of Commerce in Gary and the surrounding cities. Early in my tenure as a professor at Ivy Tech, I helped initiate programs that challenge and stimulate intellectual growth in our society—reflecting a collective commitment to building strong, vibrant communities.
Local Politics and Accountability
Gary and the surrounding areas have vibrant political parties that hold elected officials accountable at the local level because—as the saying goes—all politics are local. Viewing politics through any other lens can hinder the progress and success of our communities. I deeply appreciate the service opportunities on past and current boards, including the Gary Planning Commission and the Gary Health Department Board. Each role has required me to navigate complex decisions while supporting the broader goals of these organizations.
Working with City Leadership
I want to thank the City Council and Mayor Eddie Melton for appointing me to these important positions. While we do not always agree, we share a deep commitment to seeing Gary grow, develop, and flourish. One notable achievement during my time has been influencing a 100% Democratic council to approve the demolition of obsolete schools, which had become eyesores despite earlier preservation efforts. Positive dialogue and open minds paved the way for that outcome, improving the community’s outlook.
This work aligns with my continued pursuit of the position of Commissioner of District One, where I aim to make more strategic, cost-efficient decisions that protect the City of Gary’s financial stability and seize growth opportunities. I am committed to smart decision-making that touches every aspect of life in District One, consistently challenging myself to better serve our community.
Unity and Strategic Influence
To me, the key to progress lies not in arguments but in strategic influence—changing mindsets so people understand which outcomes best serve our future. I am thankful to God for teaching me that unity is more important than winning any debate. True unity can exist even amid disagreements if we are willing to listen and find common ground.
Appreciation for Bipartisan Efforts
Lastly, I want to express my sincere thanks to Republican leadership for their willingness to challenge each other and Democrats toward well-designed legislative solutions that build our regional economies. Together, we strive for growth and development that benefits our entire region.
