05/25/2026
On Monday, May 11, I had the incredible honor of being sworn in as your Hays CISD Trustee, At-Large.
This moment means more to me than I can fully put into words.
I am honored to step into the seat previously held by Vanessa Petrea, who served this district with dedication for nine years, including two terms as Board President. Vanessa leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to the students and families of Hays CISD. These are incredibly big shoes to fill, and I do not take that responsibility lightly.
Making the moment even more meaningful, I was sworn in by Justice of the Peace Beth Smith—someone who was once my substitute teacher at Hays High School and later married my wife and me.
That full-circle moment is another reminder of exactly what I have said throughout this journey: this community is not just where I live. It is part of who I am.
I grew up here. I graduated from Hays High School. My family has been part of this district for generations. My daughters have walked these halls. And now, I have been entrusted with the responsibility of helping serve the students, families, educators, and staff who make Hays CISD so special.
I am excited to get to work alongside the incredible trustees currently serving our district. I look forward to listening, learning, collaborating, and remaining focused on the commitments I made during this campaign:
Keeping students at the center of every decision.
Supporting our teachers and staff.
Strengthening communication and trust with families.
Planning responsibly for growth.
Protecting strong academic, career, technical, and enrichment opportunities.
And ensuring our schools remain focused on students, families, and strong schools.
To every person who supported me, encouraged me, prayed for me, shared kind words, placed a sign in your yard, trusted me with your vote, or helped spread our message: thank you.
And to those who gave so much of yourselves to this campaign—the friends, family, volunteers, and supporters who dedicated hours of your time, block walked in the heat, made phone calls, talked to neighbors, delivered signs, showed up, and believed in this mission—I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am.
This victory belongs to all of you.
I am forever grateful for the trust this community has placed in me. I know the weight of this responsibility. I know the work ahead will not always be easy.
But I promise you this:
I will show up. I will listen. I will work hard. And I will never forget who I serve.
Thank you, Hays CISD. I am honored to serve you.
The campaign is over. The work begins.
