I’m excited to share that I’ve been accepted into the Leadership Goodlettsville Class of 2026!

As Financial Center Manager of the Goodlettsville Simmons Bank, I have the privilege of working in a community that continues to grow and evolve. I see this program as an opportunity to become even more connected to the city, its people, and the things that make Goodlettsville such a special place.

One of the things motivating me most is the opportunity to learn more about Goodlettsville–this community I am blessed to be part of. I want to learn its stories, to be part of its present, and get a glimpse at its future. Not a person to do anything half-heartedly, I want to dive into the community, immersing myself in the traditions, history, and people who have helped shape it. I’m also looking forward to meeting new people, hearing different perspectives, and building relationships with others who share an interest in making our community a great place to live and work.

Honestly, I think the relationships may be one of the most exciting parts of this experience. There is something special about starting and finishing a journey with the same core group of people. Sharing experiences, learning together, and seeing how those shared experiences shape us along the way is something I’m really looking forward to. My hope is that some of these connections will turn into meaningful, lifelong friendships.

I also hope to walk away with leadership skills that I can carry into every area of my life, not just my career. I believe leadership extends far beyond the workplace, and I’m always looking for opportunities to grow in that area.

When I think about the kind of leader I want to be, I can't point to just one person who has shaped my approach. Outside of Jesus, I've been fortunate to experience both great and not-so-great leaders throughout my life and career, and I've learned something from both.

Those experiences have taught me what I want to embody as a leader, just as much as they've taught me what I want to leave behind. I believe every experience has something to teach us, even the lessons we learn the hard way. I've taken pieces of those experiences and allowed them to shape the kind of leader I want to become.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of Leadership Goodlettsville and excited about everything this next year will bring. I look forward to learning from community leaders, discovering more about the city I serve, and connecting with others who want to see Goodlettsville continue to thrive.

I believe strong communities are built by people who are willing to show up, get involved, and invest in one another. Thank you, Goodlettsville Area Chamber of Commerce, for this opportunity. And to my fellow classmates, here’s to a great year together!