11. Lead with Both Head and Heart
Good leadership requires both compassion and sound judgment.
That belief has shaped my life for a long time. Growing up in Southwest Virginia, I participated in 4-H, including spending formative summers at 4-H Camp. Those experiences helped shape how I see the world and the kind of leader I strive to be. 4-H taught me the value of service, responsibility, community, and leading with both care and purpose.
The 4-H pledge begins, “I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service…” That message has stayed with me throughout my life. To me, it reflects exactly what good public service should look like: thoughtful decisions, genuine commitment to community, and a willingness to put in the work to make things better.
Leadership is not just about policy or process. It is also about how we treat people, how we serve others, and whether we are willing to make decisions that reflect both sound reasoning and real care for the community.
What I Will Do
Balance thoughtful analysis with community values
Prioritize decisions that improve quality of life
Always consider the human impact of policy decisions
Lead with a spirit of service and responsibility
Why It Matters
Blacksburg is more than a town—it is a community.
Good leadership requires both the head to think clearly and the heart to serve others. When we bring those together, we make better decisions and build a stronger future for everyone who calls Blacksburg home.
