The Candidate
History
I was born and raised in Amarillo, TX, and moved to the DFW area to attend college, and quickly set down roots.
My family and I have lived in Benbrook for nine years now. We absolutely love our community! Benbrook is a great place to live and raise a family. Our neighbors and schools are excellent, and the vibe of our city is idyllic.
On a personal note, I enjoy sailing my boat with friends at Lake Worth Sailing Club. I am fascinated with social systems, human communication, entrepreneurship, and the American experience. Plus, you will often find me playing video games with my son or dolls with my little girl - no shame.
Family
My family is beautiful! My wife of 16 years, Marisa Phillips, is a native of Portland, Oregon who moved to Texas to attend Texas Christian University. She is a Calculus Teacher at Southwest High School in Fort Worth. Mari is a brilliant person, who loves gardening, travel, and serving her community.
Mari and I have a talented 9-year-old son, Clark, who is a Fortnite fanatic, lover of horses, and future "survivalist." Clark is a fantastic person, who inspires us every day. He is also the best older brother in existence.
Victoria, our 3-year-old daughter, is the sweetest and saltiest little kid that Mari and I have ever known. She melts our hearts and challenges us to become more than we thought possible. Her zeal and creativity fill us with wonder and excitement.
Experience
It has been a privilege to work professionally for 16 years in the non-profit sector. In that time, I have co-founded a new organization & many programs. I've managed large projects, business operations, human capital, and complicated budgets.
Eight years ago, I co-founded a non-profit organization called Opportunity Resource Services. Our mission is to alleviate rural poverty, increase educational attainment, and improve rates of upward mobility in rural Texas communities.
Since establishing ORS, our team has secured 10.1 million dollars in federal, state, and private grants. We serve over 1,300 individuals each year, assisting them as they pursue higher education.
In my role at ORS, my responsibilities include ensuring state & federal regulatory compliance, human capital management, and financial management. I also direct several college readiness programs, and I support three additional education programs.
I enjoy problem-solving, creating efficiencies, and delivering results for our stakeholders and clients!
Other Noteworthy Experiences:
- Treasurer, Lake Worth Sailing Club (Elected)
- Former President, Byers Square HOA (Elected)
- President, DMPVentures, LLC
- Adjunct Instructor, Communications
- Speaker/Trainer
Education
Master of Arts in Communications from the University of Texas Arlington, and a Bachelors of Science in Church Ministry from Southwestern A/G University.
Other Education:
- Certified in QuickBooks Accounting Software
- Project Management
- State and Federal Regulatory Compliance
- Human Resource Management
Values
Community & Family
I believe in the power of community service and in the strength of our families, in all the beautiful and diverse ways those families are formed. With your support, I will serve the citizenry of Benbrook, ensuring that young families have a voice in shaping the direction of our city.
Practical Solutions & Results
I have always been most interested in creative ideas that lead to practical solutions. I am a pragmatist before partisan. I identify with Nelson Mandela, who said, "It always seems impossible until it is done."
Honesty & Integrity
I believe that honesty and integrity are the pillars of leadership. These principles are most important for those who are in positions of influence.