Applicant Essay Reviews:

I believe that it is our responsibility, especially as community leaders, to be involved in the communities that we serve. I have been demonstrating this for many years now including things such as Rotary, WISD CTE program and CJ program, school safety and security, Smith County Peace Officer Association, Texas Police Chief’s Association, and East Texas Police Association. Locally we also have programs for the community such as National Night Out and Christmas on Main. I still have at least 12 more years in my career and will continue to serve our communities.

Even though I have 24 years of public service and leadership, learning does not stop. I believe that good leaders continue to aspire to learn and improve every day. I am always looking for opportunities to improve and become a better leader. Policing is a unique career that faces many challenges both internally and externally. I have always strived to be a great example even before becoming a supervisor. With about 17 years of police supervision, including 6 ½ as a police chief, I bring experiences that many others have not faced. Working daily with the public, leading employees to help them become better, and facing huge challenges has taught me to understand that there are valuable opinions that may not always match mine. Service is always above self.

I worked for Tyler PD for about 17 ½ years. I loved being part of that organization. Smith County is growing and facing new challenges. We are deep into a digital age, and this is probably not going to slow down. With the economic challenges this country is facing, we are in a good place to be the example. Searching for opportunities to tap into those financial resources is paramount to helping support the county needs and growth. Of course, my focus is on policing. There are some huge opportunities to improve all police departments. With the influx of new digital ideas, the future is exciting for policing. Just one example is the cutting-edge technology of DFR (drone first responders) that will help officers respond more quickly to calls and begin to assess the situation. This program has already proven in other cities to save time and money through better responses. I want to be part of finding ways to help the community grow and save money at the same time.

This is probably one of my greatest strengths. I cannot be bought. Not too long after becoming chief, I had a local vendor donate about 50 cases of water to the police department. This is not something that happens often, but we do receive donations at times. About a week later, that person came to the department requesting that we use his company. Regardless of anything else, I quickly realized that he was trying to buy his way into making money from the city. This is not the ethical or right way to conduct business. I explained the first problem, that I could not use his company because he did not meet the minimum standards set to be a vendor. He was upset and began talking about all the things he could do for me and the department. The things he mentioned would have been helpful. However, I do not bend the rules even when I would personally benefit from it.

I define civic/community involvement primarily as our responsibilities as residents to participate in the betterment of our community, whether through organized events, exercising our rights, or volunteering our time and efforts. Opportunities as basic as voting can be overlooked as a civic involvement but is imperative to creating a better community. Participating in organized efforts to improve our neighborhoods and the communities surrounding it, through volunteering and leading community service projects, allows for a more diverse and understanding city in which to grow. My volunteer experience closely ties into my reason for applying to Leadership Tyler. Currently, I primarily partner with East Texas Food Bank on a regular basis, volunteer with Brookshire’s for the Fresh 15, and have sought out local fundraising opportunities through iTry365. While I hope to continue my service with these organizations, I would like to learn more about local non-profit organizations and where the help is needed so that I can expand the number of places that I serve.

I hope to gain knowledge and insight about Tyler organizations, public policy and governance, and build relationships that allow me to better serve the Tyler community. I am the Chief Administration Officer at Family Circle of Care where we serve around 35,000 uninsured and underinsured patients each year, focusing on Pediatrics, OBGYN, Family Medicine, Dental, Behavioral Health, and Optometry. While community needs assessments are a great tool, I hope to engage with leaders that I might not have worked with in the past, as well as those I am unaware of, to identify where we can be most impactful to the area. Accessible healthcare is a fundamental cornerstone to a thriving community, and I feel a responsibility to supplement Tyler as best as I can. The unique quality that I feel I bring is a different perspective. In looking through the alumni of Leadership Tyler, there are plenty of amazing healthcare leaders, but none from a Federally Qualified Health Center. Part of our mission is to provide assistance to those that need it, and part of that responsibility is taking every opportunity to connect them to other nonprofits in the area. If selected for Leadership Tyler, I would be able to learn from other leaders but also bring insight into resources they may not be familiar with.

This question is a question that is close to my heart. The residents in the Tyler/Smith County area would benefit from local organizations/partnering businesses providing opportunities for young adults to receive training and education on entering the workforce. We partner with Workforce Solutions East Texas, and they do a great job assisting residents that have been out of work for some time, but there are not many programs for those that are entering employment as a young adult, outside of school counselor responsibilities – and even those can be limited by other educational responsibilities. I often see new hires that come prepared with significant skills and knowledge, but they are new to expectations and accountability, especially those of healthcare. Some are able to succeed and learn quickly, some have a longer training time, and unfortunately, some cannot meet the needs of the position and move on to the next business. I believe that a committee that is made up of local business owners and leaders could produce impactful curriculum that is relevant specifically to our area. This curriculum could be used in schools, presented in a free workshop format for the community at large. I would be pleased to be personally engaged by being on the curriculum planning committee.

Years ago, when I was in an analyst role, my supervisor encouraged me to slightly adjust the data reported in an analysis I was working on. This report was intended to be presented to leadership. The changes they asked for weren’t direct falsifications, but changing the data would have excluded some key information. Personal and professional integrity very important to me, and I weighed the next steps carefully in order to retain my integrity as well as the relationship I had built. I scheduled some time with my supervisor to talk through their request by asking clarifying questions. I understood their desire to show the positive metrics so that we were regarded as making positive changes, but I explained my stance on the need to remain impartial, continue being honest, and reporting all the data accurately. I spent time expanding on the fact that perfection was unlikely and that the data we would be excluding would be identified in other departments’ reports. We were able to truly understand each other better, as well as bring the discussion back to our values, and they eventually agreed that the right thing to do for the organization was to report accurate data. The data and analysis remained intact, and the situation was resolved without major conflict.

Civic and community involvement refers to the active participation of individuals or organizations in activities that improve the quality of life within a community. It is grounded in a sense of responsibility, service, and connection to others.
Over the next five years, my plan for civic and community involvement is deeply aligned with the mission of Family First Connection and the needs of families in the Tyler, Texas area. I also plan to expand involvement in local boards, coalitions, and advisory committees that align with child welfare, family services, and nonprofit development. Serving in these roles allows me to contribute to broader community decision-making and advocate for policies and practices that support families. It also provides an opportunity to learn from other leaders, share insights, and bring innovative ideas back to Family First Connection.
One of my primary goals is to strengthen partnerships within the local community. This includes working more closely with family courts, attorneys, law enforcement, social workers, and mental health professionals to ensure that families experiencing conflict have access to safe, supportive services. I aim to create a more coordinated system of care that prioritizes the safety and well-being of children.

The Leadership Tyler experience is designed to develop informed, connected, and engaged leaders who are committed to strengthening their community. I expect to utilize this experience as both a learning opportunity and a platform for meaningful impact. Through exposure to key sectors such as education, healthcare, government, nonprofit services, and economic development, I will gain a deeper understanding of how systems in Tyler intersect and influence one another. I plan to utilize my experiences by building strong, lasting relationships with other leaders across diverse industries. I also expect to use this experience as an opportunity for self-reflection, skill-building, and exposure to different leadership styles.

The unique qualities that I will bring to Leadership Tyler are vast. I will bring one of my greatest strengths, my deep commitment to serving families and protecting children. I will bring a compassionate and empathetic leadership style, as well as resilience and determination. I offer a collaborative spirit and team-oriented approach. Building a nonprofit organization requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to overcome challenges. Finally, I bring a sense of purpose, willingness, and passion. My work is not just a job- it is a mission.

The most meaningful opportunity would be strengthening coordinated support systems for families experiencing conflict, separation, and instability, particularly those navigating the court system. Services are often fragmented, reactive, or difficult for families to access and understand. This creates a gap that can unintentionally place children at greater emotional and physical risk. The opportunity lies in creating a more integrated, proactive, and family-centered approach to care. By improving coordination between family courts, legal professionals, social services, schools, and nonprofits, the community can move from a crisis-response model to a prevention and support model.

Children are at the center of this issue. When families are in conflict, children often experience stress, instability, and emotional trauma. Investing in family stability is essential to building a healthier, safer future.

Through Family First Connection, I am already working directly with families navigating high-conflict situations. I would expand this impact in the following ways: build stronger community partnerships, a network of services, education, awareness, advocacy, and leading by example through organizational growth. We can create a more supportive environment for families.

As a leader of Family First Connection, I have faced situations where maintaining personal and professional integrity requires difficult decisions. One moment stands out to me in which there was subtle but real pressure to bend the established policies to accommodate a parent's request. I deeply understood the emotional weight of the situation. As someone committed to strengthening families, I wanted to support reunification and reduce barriers where possible, but the policies are in place and exist for a reason: to ensure the safety, neutrality, and emotional well-being of the child. Compromising those standards, even slightly, could set a precedent and potentially put the child-and the integrity of the organization at risk. I approached the situation by responding with empathy but firmness. In addition, I worked to offer alternative solutions that stayed within our policies. There was some initial frustration and disappointment; however, by maintaining a calm, respectful, and transparent approach, I was able to preserve the relationship while upholding the organization's policies. By choosing to stand firm in my values, leading with empathy, I was able to navigate the situation in a way that protected the child, respected the parent, and upheld the mission of the organization

I plan to volunteer in local programs, mentor youth, and support initiatives that strengthen working families. I believe strong communities are built one person at a time, and I am committed to showing up consistently to help make that happen.

I will use Leadership Tyler to sharpen my leadership, build lasting relationships, and serve more effectively. I bring discipline, accountability, and a strong work ethic. I am dependable, hungry to grow, and committed to adding real value.

Working families and youth need more consistent support and guidance. I plan to engage by mentoring, backing community programs, and using my skills to help create lasting impact for people who need it most.

During a system transition, I was pressured to move forward despite discrepancies I had found. I chose to pause, speak up, and make sure things were done right. It was uncomfortable, but I was not willing to compromise my integrity for convenience.

I define civic/community involvement as being actively involved in organizations, programs or activities that support the community through volunteering, support, education or service. I plan to significantly expand my civic engagement in the next five years by connecting with more people within my network of associates, peers, friends, and church members to serve in meaningful volunteer opportunities. These past 5 years becoming established in the Tyler area has been enriching and I look forward to giving more of my talents, time and treasure to serve and uplift my community. I have experience in working with children, as well as in security, martial arts, dance and Bible study and I look forward to volunteer opportunities that allow me to apply these skills to serve the community.

I plan to utilize my experience with Leadership Tyler not only to grow as a leader but also to build strong connections with classmates and community leaders. I have been blessed to have had many leadership opportunities in my life including in JROTC, restaurant management, serving as class President in college, leading small groups in church and in therapy management the past 8 years of my career. The unique qualities I bring to Leadership Tyler is the ability to lead with confidence yet serve with humility. As an added bonus, I can moonwalk- perfectly in tune with this year's 80's theme!

I see a significant opportunity for aging adults in the Tyler/Smith County area. I am so passionate about this need that I have decided to start my own business to address it. Changes in rehab access, reimbursement and affordability have created a gap for older adults who have completed acute care, been discharged from home health or are experiencing declines in strength, mobility or independence. This gap adds pressure to physicians, hospitals, nursing facilities and our community as a whole. My goal is to build a company that provides individualized fitness, wellness, fall prevention and education in the comfort of older adults' homes.

Personal integrity can be challenged by well-intentioned factors such as team cohesion, career success, or the need to provide for family. I experienced this firsthand years ago while working for another therapy company in another city. The team I had joined was engaged in fraudulent Medicare billing, achieving large profits and relaxed workdays. In order to avoid committing fraud myself I had to work twice as hard to deliver quality care to the patients God placed in front of me while trying to keep up with my peers. When my manager wrote me up and told me I needed to match the productivity numbers of my team, I faced a difficult decision. I remembered a poster my mother had given me long ago: "Stand up for what's right, even if you are standing alone." I chose to continue doing the right thing even though it cost me my job. Looking back, I do not regret that decision and am proud of the personal integrity the Lord has developed in me.

Civic/Community involvement means actively investing in the well-being and growth of the place you call home. This can look like major acts, such as voting, or smaller acts, like participating in a park cleanup day. Both are essential to building a stronger, more connected community. True involvement is not about the size of the action, but the dedication and heart behind it.

I have always had a desire to serve, but since beginning my career in the nonprofit field, that passion has grown even stronger. I’ve been blessed to see firsthand the impact of volunteerism. Over the next five years and more, I plan to intentionally set aside time each month to serve the community that has invested so much in me. I am especially passionate about advocating for individuals with special needs and plan to volunteer more with programs such as day camps, Night to Shine, and overnight summer camps. Also, I currently serve as the Philanthropy Advisor for my sorority at UT Tyler and am working my way up to become the Chapter Advisor so I can continue empowering and mentoring future female leaders. I plan to give more because Tyler has given so much to me!

I plan to use my Leadership Tyler experience to build meaningful connections and, truthfully, develop real friendships. I’m at a point in my life where I’m confident in who I am and clear on the goals I have for my future. As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that some of my long-term friendships no longer align with who I’m becoming. I’ve stepped into a season where I’m more focused on my career, my community, and becoming the best version of myself. I’m ready to let go of what’s behind me and fully step into what’s ahead. I’m all in. I want to meet people, shake hands, and build roots in Tyler that last a lifetime!

I bring enthusiasm, authenticity, and my whole heart. I’m an empath at my core and naturally see the best in people. While that doesn’t always work in my favor, I choose to stay optimistic and lead with trust until proven otherwise. I show up fully, I care deeply, and I want to build relationships that create a lasting impact.

Attending a private school from K4 through 12th grade, we were encouraged (and at times pressured) to apply to and attend high-end colleges. Colleges such as Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Tyler were often looked down upon, seen as lacking the “college experience” or only as options if you wanted to stay close to home. Unlike them, I take pride in having attended both institutions and am now a strong advocate for each.

I believe our community has an opportunity to continue investing in TJC and UT Tyler, as they are developing the next generation of our local workforce. During my time at both schools, I met numerous students who moved to the area for their education but had not truly experienced Tyler. Many had never been to the Rose Garden, downtown, or visited local staples like Don Juan’s!

Rather than waiting for students to seek out internships or volunteer opportunities, I believe we should be more proactive and reach out to them through mentorship programs or by serving as a “tour guide” of Tyler. By intentionally connecting students to the community, we can highlight the benefits of living in Tyler and encourage them to stay, work, and invest here long-term.

During my first semester in a sorority, I was encouraged to run for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vice President position, and I was honored to be elected. A few months into my role, I found myself in a situation where a group, including our President, was speaking disrespectfully about Christian conservatives. As someone who identifies as both, I had to decide whether to stay quiet to avoid conflict or stand up for what I believe.

Although it was uncomfortable (I usually avoid confrontation), I chose to be honest. That moment shifted how some people saw me, and I realized I had actually been encouraged to pursue the position based on assumptions about who I was and what I believed. While I was initially hurt by that realization, I also realized it strengthened me and deepened my commitment to lead with integrity instead of seeking approval.

I continued to serve as the Vice President of DEI with intention and created an environment where people felt seen and respected regardless of their beliefs. That experience taught me that integrity isn’t just about standing firm in your beliefs, it’s about how you show up for others. I believe that being surrounded by people who think differently from you is where real growth and learning happens!

I define civic or community involvement as participating in advance in the community. I have worked in Winnsboro for four years now and participated in many events, such as a bike and helmet program with the fire department, assisting at the East Texas Food bank located on the Winnsboro property. Attending events throughout the community sponsored by the chamber of commerce such as raising money for the library through the annual tea party by the standard club, attend local high school events to represent CHRISTUS Health.

I have been a leadership now for four years in Winnsboro and I have grown tremendously in this role participating in leadership programs provided by my employer. My goal is to continue to grow, continue to develop my communication skills and my interactions with my direct reports and with my own leadership.

The qualities I bring to leadership are growing communication skills positivity, and the development of a positive culture with my associates. This includes collaboration between both my departments teamwork. I continue to leave the mission and core values of CHRISTUS. I am flexible and adaptable to change and like to set the example to my staff that changes growth. I work well with other leaders and have great relationships with not only my leadership but with physicians as well.

I personally do not live in Tyler. I work in Winnsboro, which is a smaller community and some change. I like to see there is more access to healthcare, are a retirement to lower income families as we are a retirement community. I’d like to see more. More services provided for the community.

Change is not difficult for me as I am flexible and adaptable. Although at times I tend to be very type a personality. I’m very open to listening to the other side and taking suggestions. I do not compromise my integrity or the integrity of my employer or my employees. If there is an integrity issue I will involve my HR partner. I do recognize that change is different for everyone and so is the pressure that is felt and not everyone handles it the same way, but I’m always willing to sit down, face-to-face and listen to the person and the suggestions that are made.

Civic and community involvement, to me, means intentionally investing time, skills, and effort into the well-being and growth of the community I serve. It goes beyond volunteering; it requires being informed, engaged, and committed to creating meaningful and lasting change, especially for underserved populations.

As a healthcare professional, my approach to community involvement focuses on improving access, education, and health outcomes. I believe in supporting preventative care efforts and helping bridge the gap between healthcare systems and the communities that need them most.

Within the next five years, I plan to expand my involvement in initiatives centered on health equity and community wellness. I am particularly interested in participating in outreach programs that promote early detection, prevention, and health education for populations that are often overlooked.

I also plan to mentor students and young professionals interested in healthcare, helping to develop a stronger and more diverse future workforce. Through these efforts, I aim to contribute to a healthier, more informed, and empowered community.

I expect to utilize my Leadership Tyler experience as a catalyst for personal growth and greater community impact. Through this program, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the needs and opportunities within Tyler while building meaningful relationships with other community leaders. I plan to apply what I learn by strengthening my leadership approach and expanding collaborative efforts, particularly in addressing healthcare disparities and serving underserved populations.

This experience will equip me to be more strategic, informed, and effective in bridging gaps between organizations and the communities they serve.

I will bring compassion, professionalism, and hands-on healthcare experience to the class. Working with diverse populations has strengthened my empathy, cultural awareness, and ability to connect with others. I am also collaborative, solutions-oriented, and value open dialogue and shared learning.

I am committed to both contributing and growing all while bringing my perspective while learning from others to help create meaningful, lasting impact within the Tyler community.

One significant opportunity for change in the Tyler/Smith County area is improving health equity and access to preventative care. Many individuals, particularly in underserved communities, face barriers such as limited access to resources, lack of health education, and delayed screenings. These gaps often lead to preventable conditions being diagnosed at later stages, resulting in poorer outcomes and increased strain on the healthcare system.

This is important because healthier communities lead to stronger, more sustainable growth overall. When individuals have access to education, early detection, and consistent care, they are better equipped to live productive and fulfilling lives.

I could be personally engaged in this effort by supporting and participating in community outreach initiatives focused on health education, screenings, and preventative care. Through my background in healthcare, I can help bridge the gap between providers and the community by advocating for accessible services and culturally competent care.

Additionally, I would collaborate with local organizations to expand awareness and connect individuals to available resources. By combining education, outreach, and advocacy, I aim to contribute to a more informed, healthier community in Tyler and Smith County.

In my professional experience, I once felt pressure to overlook a concern that impacted the quality of care being provided. The easier option was to move forward without addressing it, but it did not align with my values or professional standards.

Despite the unspoken expectation to stay quiet, I chose to speak up. I took time to assess the situation and then communicated my concerns clearly and respectfully, emphasizing the importance of accountability, safety, and trust.

Although it was uncomfortable, I remained firm and offered alternative solutions that aligned with both ethical standards and the needs of the situation. The concern was ultimately acknowledged, and adjustments were made to better support quality outcomes.

This experience reinforced that integrity requires consistency, even when it is difficult. It also showed me that addressing challenges with professionalism and respect can lead to positive and meaningful change.

I define civic and community involvement as actively contributing time, expertise, and resources to initiatives that strengthen the local community, support economic growth, and improve quality of life. It is a duty and a privilege to use my strengths to contribute to this wonderful community that I call home.

Over the next five years, I plan to deepen my involvement in initiatives related to housing, community development, and economic growth in East Texas. This includes supporting local housing organizations, mentoring individuals interested in property management and real estate careers, and partnering with community groups to promote responsible housing practices.

Given my role in multifamily operations, I also expect to be involved in conversations and committees related to housing policy, affordability, and compliance, ensuring that both residents and property owners are fairly represented. Additionally, I am interested in participating in local chambers, nonprofit boards, or advisory groups where I can contribute operational insight and help drive meaningful, community-focused solutions.

I expect to utilize the Leadership Tyler experience as an opportunity to expand my perspective beyond my day-to-day role and gain a deeper understanding of the people, challenges, and opportunities that shape our community. While my professional focus is in multifamily operations, I recognize that sustainable growth in Tyler requires collaboration across industries, and I am eager to learn from leaders in other sectors. Through this program, I hope to strengthen my ability to lead with a broader community mindset, bringing back insights that not only benefit our company and clients, but also contribute to responsible growth and long-term stability within the region. I am particularly interested in how housing intersects with economic development, workforce stability, and quality of life. I believe I bring a unique perspective rooted in both operations and real-world application. My role requires balancing the needs of property owners, residents, and regulatory requirements, which has shaped my ability to problem-solve, communicate effectively, and make decisions that consider multiple stakeholders. I am also highly engaged, solutions-oriented, and not afraid to ask thoughtful questions or challenge ideas in a productive way. Above all, I bring a genuine desire to grow!

One of the greatest opportunities for change in the Tyler Smith County area is creating a more balanced and sustainable housing market that works for both residents and property owners. In today’s climate rising rents are often a symptom not the root issue. Increasing property taxes insurance and operating costs have placed significant pressure on housing providers many of whom are struggling to remain viable even at higher rent levels. At the same time these rising costs impact residents making it more difficult to qualify for housing and maintain stability. This creates a cycle where both owners and renters are strained by factors largely outside of their control. From my experience in multifamily operations I see an opportunity for more informed collaboration between local leadership housing providers and community stakeholders. Addressing underlying cost drivers while promoting responsible growth will be key to maintaining a healthy housing market. I am uniquely positioned to contribute by bridging the gap between property owners and residents and bringing real world insight into both perspectives. A strong community depends on a housing market where both providers and residents can succeed.

In my role, I regularly operate between property owners and residents, where competing priorities can create pressure to compromise fairness or consistency. There have been times when I’ve been pushed to make exceptions that would benefit one party but conflict with established policies, Fair Housing standards, or the responsibility to treat all residents equally. In those moments, I rely on the structure our industry provides. I am genuinely grateful for the laws, regulations, and professional standards that govern property management, because they create a clear framework that supports integrity, even when conversations become tense. Rather than viewing these guidelines as limitations, I see them as a foundation that allows me to make decisions confidently and consistently.