Faith. Family. Putnam County.
An independent leader, a dedicated father, and a professional problem-solver running to represent you.
The "Putnam Party" Philosophy
As we push forward, I want everyone to know where my priorities truly lie. My identity is not tied up in politics. I chose to run for this office as an independent because I believe local government should serve the people, not the interests of a political establishment. Taking the independent route is a more challenging path that demands more work and dedication, but it is the only way to ensure that every decision I make is based purely on what is best for our community.
Over the last 13 years, my actions have been focused on one simple goal: making this community a better place to live. In my view, there is a stark difference between being a consumer of Putnam County and a contributor to Putnam County. A consumer simply takes what the community has to offer; a contributor rolls up their sleeves, serves others, and actively fosters positive growth. My entire background is rooted in being a contributor.
So, when people ask me what political party I belong to, I tell them I belong to the Putnam Party. I believe our commissioners should put Putnam first and make Putnam proud. It is time for leadership that listens to you, represents your interests, and leaves partisan politics at the door.
Two Decades of Real-World Business Leadership
With over a decade of leadership experience in supply chain logistics and manufacturing, my career has been defined by solving complex problems, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and streamlining operations. As a Supply Chain Leader and Planning Manager, I have directed daily operations across multiple departments, managed a staff of over 70 employees, and successfully navigated severe global supply chain interruptions without a single stall in production.
My approach to business is rooted in data analytics and continuous improvement. By utilizing tools like Python, SAP, and Oracle, and applying Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing techniques, I have a proven record of finding efficiencies where others see roadblocks. I recently led an initiative that saved over $1 million annually by eliminating wasteful spending, optimizing vendors, and introducing automation. Furthermore, I was an integral part of a leadership team that turned a struggling business with negative margins into a record-breaking, highly profitable operation.
What This Means for Putnam County
Managing county tax dollars requires the exact same discipline and scrutiny as overseeing corporate budgets. It demands strategic forecasting, strict cost avoidance, and a commitment to continuous process improvement.
When I evaluate county policy or budget proposals, I won't be looking at them through a political lens. Instead, I will analyze the data, identify inefficiencies, and ensure that your hard-earned tax dollars are managed with the utmost transparency and respect. You deserve a commissioner with a proven track record of maximizing resources, eliminating waste, and delivering real, measurable results to the bottom line.
I don't just talk about making Putnam County better; I have spent nearly two decades actively working to shape its future. As your commissioner, I will bring that exact same hands-on, contributor mindset to serving every family in this district.
17 Years of Investing in Our Future
For the past 17 years, my commitment to Putnam County has been defined by action, specifically through investing in our next generation. I firmly believe that the most direct way to foster positive local growth is by mentoring the youth who will eventually lead our community.
My journey in youth leadership began in 2007 as a Volunteer Student Pastor, where I created programs designed to give young people a safe, faith-based environment to grow, lead, and find their purpose. That dedication to serving others continued as I helped found and lead the Community Church of Eatonton, focusing heavily on community service and building a diverse, welcoming congregation.
That same passion for mentorship extends directly to the football field. For over a decade, I have served as a volunteer Head Youth Football Coach in our multi-county league, teaching fundamentals, strategy, and teamwork to our local kids—efforts that helped build a winning program with four league championships. More recently, I have had the privilege of serving Putnam County High School as a volunteer Defensive Assistant. Beyond coaching the game, I taught weekly leadership classes to our team captains, working tirelessly to build meaningful relationships and develop a culture of unity and character among our players. I have also supported the program behind the scenes, serving as President and currently as Treasurer of the Touchdown Club to ensure our athletes have the resources they need to succeed.
Roots, Faith, and Family
A vote for me is not a vote for a politician. It is a vote for a people's commissioner who will serve this district exactly how I began my life: humble and hardworking.
I am not a golden-spoon politician; my roots are as blue-collar as it gets. I am the son of a teacher and an independent mechanic, and I grew up modestly, learning early on how tough the world could be. When I was seven years old, my family moved to Eatonton, where we literally built our house on Dennis Station Road with our own hands. My early years were spent working the farm, serving as a plumbing assistant for my stepfather, and cleaning Friendship Baptist Church every Friday. Watching my parents rarely take a day off in their trades forged my core philosophy: I will simply outwork everyone. That grit carried me through, allowing me to pay my own way through college with scholarships and determination. I graduated from Georgia College and State University with a BBA in Management Cum Laude owing very little in student debt. I then pursued a Master's Degree in Leadership from Luther Rice.
That foundation is the bedrock of my life today. I am, first and foremost, a child of God. I am also deeply blessed to be a husband to the love of my life—a 25-year relationship that traces all the way back to when she was a cheerleader for my 11-year-old football team—and a proud father to three wonderful children, Branan, Cole, and Luella Ryan. I strive daily to preach and teach them the exact same work ethic that was modeled for me.
My mother has always called me an independent child, though I prefer the word "determined." That fierce determination touches every aspect of my life. You will see it in my drive to serve—like the 15 straight weeks I recently spent last fall working 100-plus hours balancing my career, coaching, and church leadership. You will also see it in my personal discipline. You can find me early in the mornings and on the weekends in my garage, strength training as a demonstration of my commitment to leading by example. As an avid practitioner of the Conjugate Method for heavy strength training, I know firsthand that grinding through demanding box squats and heavy rack lockouts requires the same consistent grit needed to tackle life's biggest obstacles.
Ready to Put Putnam First?
If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and be a contributor to our community, join the Putnam Party today and let's get to work.