Dear Friends,
I have spent over 20 years working to keep our Commonwealth and our country safe. Starting my career as a law enforcement officer after graduating from the University of Virginia, I completed more than 15 years of service, specializing in combatting human trafficking, missing and exploited children, gangs, and other forms of organized and financial crime. I never said “no” to challenges that were presented to me. I often took on opportunities to learn more and grow my skills. These opportunities led me to develop expertise in leadership serving as lead investigator for the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force.
In addition to my law enforcement career, I also spent considerable time learning the legislative process supporting elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels to implement legislation to keep us safe. At the request of both sides of the aisle I have testified in front of state legislatures, the United States House of Representatives, the Senate, as well as the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe. I was honored to serve as Special Advisor to the White House for Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation, shepherding in the first ever National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking in the United States. I have also been able to use my foreign affairs education to advise government officials in Europe, Mexico, Central and South America, and throughout the Caribbean.
I was honored to serve as the Acting Director of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) at the U.S. Department of Justice where I oversaw more than $6.5 billion in federal grant programs focused on serving those that had been victimized and protecting the most vulnerable. I also served as Director of Human Trafficking Programs overseeing the use of more than $100 million in federal funding.
However, my experiences in the non-governmental, non-profit sector have been some of the most rewarding. I have worked alongside corporations, non-profit entities, and law firms providing expert testimony at dispositions and in the courtroom, having been received as a court-certified expert. I founded a successful small business – a non-profit organization which has grown to have an international presence.
Despite having received numerous awards throughout my career, including a Presidential Medal from the President of the United States, I am most proud of my six amazing children who continue to amaze and surprise me every single day.
But my family extends beyond those that live in my house. As a life-long resident of Prince William County, I feel a deep sense of commitment to our community. I have seen many changes over the past four decades, some good and some not so great, but the resiliency of our neighbors is unwavering. The opportunity and diversity within these communities is why we chose to stay in Prince William County and raise our family here.
The oath that I took to serve and protect when I became a police officer remains true today. I stand alongside every resident throughout Manassas, Manassas City, Manassas Park, Bristow, Gainesville, Haymarket, Sudley, and Catharpin in a united effort to ensure our communities and children are safe; parents remain central in their children’s lives; access to commuter services is fair, reasonable and efficient; commercial and residential growth is balanced and makes sense; and both those starting their adult lives and those enjoying retirement have access to housing and services.
My unwavering pledge is to serve you through integrity and ensure respect for all our neighbors as I carry your voice to Richmond fighting for what is right as your next State Senator representing District 30.
In Service,
