ABOUT

I lived in Norfolk, Virginia as a child, graduating from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology, and later earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Piedmont College, then completed a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership at the University of Georgia.  My career in public education included teaching positions at W.R. Coile Middle School and Classic City High School, where I also served as principal for four years. I then served as Director for Student Services at Foothills Regional High School, supporting nearly 2000 students at 15 locations in Northeast Georgia, including at three state prisons. 

I first ran for office while teaching, and after serving as a County Commissioner in Athens-Clarke County for 12 years, was elected Mayor in 2018, now serving in my second term. I have prioritized a connected set of initiatives in Athens designed to provide a strong foundation for all Athenians, and to create a sustainable, equitable, resilient community that our children and grandchildren will be proud to call home. Housing policy, youth development initiatives, economic development efforts, public safety, and a safe transportation system for all users have been part of this work.

In any free time, I like travel, carpentry, cooking, reading, listening to music, and the warmth, kindness, and camaraderie found living in Athens. I am married to Andrea Griffith, and we are parents to Noah, a middle school student and sports fanatic.