Who AM I?

While my formative years were spent in Northwest Florida, I was raised on a farm in Northeast Alabama.  Upon completion of my bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, I worked in the electric industry. While working for electric cooperatives, I rapidly climbed the corporate ladder and earned the position of CEO. During that time, I graduated from Florida State University after earning an MBA. Due to my inability to manage drinking and handling situations properly,  I resigned from the electric industry after more than 23 years of service.

During this time, I returned to school to work on my Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University and later became a City Manager. I hit the ground running and started updating the city and making a difference. However, in spite of my renewed faith, I soon fell back into my old ways of drinking and bad decisions.  While working for the city, a Category 5 Hurricane hit my community.  During that time, I worked endless days and began drinking even heavier and more frequently. However, it all came to an abrupt end when I crossed the line and was arrested because of my actions.  I ended up resigning, once again, from a good career. 

After resigning, I began a consulting business in order to help other businesses with their administrative, marketing, and financial needs. More than 6 months later, I found myself in trouble again due to poor decision making while working for the city.  This time, however, it was with the U.S. government.  I pled guilty to four counts and have been awaiting sentencing for 3.5 years, not knowing what punishment I will be receiving for my actions.  But, what I do know, is that Jesus has and will continue to guide my family and me. During this waiting period, I  grew my consulting business, did some land clearing, completed my doctorate program, and became a published author. Only God can turn something so bad into something so good. 

I am deeply remorseful for my poor choices and wrong actions during such a difficult state of affairs. Many people face dire circumstances and do not resort to crime like I did, and for that, I am terribly sorry. I have also caused great pain for my family, as they have been encumbered with the terrible stigma of my illegal conduct. I deserve the humiliation, not them. Even worse, I have served as a dreadful role model for my children and an abhorrent husband for my wife. 

I hope, by owning my mistakes, I can be a more positive influence by exemplifying the correct course of action one should take by accepting full responsibility and standing ready to accept my punishment. I have a lot of work that remains to be done in my life, and I know I can’t do it on my own, but I know the One who can.  He is faithful.