Montpelier Days Honorary Mayor Contest

If you’ve lived in Montpelier or Western Hanover very long, chances are our paths have crossed somewhere along the way—at a ballfield, a church event, a school function, a community festival, a farmers market, or maybe over a bouquet of flowers.

 I was born and raised in Western Hanover, where my family has called home for generations. Farmers, educators, and local business owners, they taught me early on that community matters, hard work matters, and showing up for your neighbors matters.

I graduated from Patrick Henry High School as a scholar-athlete, where sports were a big part of my life. You could usually find me on a softball, basketball, or volleyball court, surrounded by teammates who became lifelong friends. Youth group was another important part of growing up, eventually leading me to serve as a youth pastor for several years and traveling the world on mission trips. Those experiences shaped my love for people, service, and community.

After high school, I earned my degree in education from Campbell University and later pursued graduate studies in educational leadership, intercultural studies, and international business. I started my career working at Ukrop’s and Hanover Parks and Recreation before becoming a teacher in Hanover County.

Life eventually took me halfway around the world to Taiwan, where my wife, Sara Mallory, and I spent six years teaching English and international business. I had the opportunity to travel, experience new cultures, and gain a broader perspective—but no matter where I went, Western Hanover always felt like home.

Back home, I had the privilege of serving as Executive Director of the Montpelier Center for Arts & Education. During some of the community’s most challenging years, including the COVID pandemic, our team worked hard to keep staff employed and find creative ways to continue bringing people together through safe, outdoor programming. I helped launch and grow events such as the Celtic Festival and Oyster Festival and expand the beloved Music Under the Stars concert series—because I have always believed that communities thrive when people have opportunities to connect, celebrate, and create memories together.

When Sara and I returned to Virginia, we took a leap of faith and started The Freckled Flower Farm. This July, we’ll celebrate ten years of growing flowers and, more importantly, creating a place where people can gather. Through farmers markets, workshops, festivals, and community events, we’ve had the privilege of celebrating life’s biggest milestones and everyday moments alongside so many of you.

I am honored to be running for Honorary Mayor alongside my cousin, friend, former psychology teacher, Pat Dougan. While there may be a little friendly competition involved, what matters most is that we’re coming together to support and celebrate the community we both love so much.

Montpelier has always been the kind of place where people show up for one another. It’s where neighbors become friends, where traditions are passed down, and where community still means something. I have been fortunate to experience this community as a student, athlete, teacher, youth pastor, nonprofit leader, small business owner, and now as someone simply grateful to call this place home.

Thank you for allowing Pat and me the opportunity to have a little fun, raise money for a great cause, and celebrate the people and community that have given us so much. After all, if we can support Montpelier, make a few memories, and settle a little family rivalry along the way, I’d call that a win for everyone.