I am a proven executive business leader with a diverse professional background that includes marketing, healthcare operations and human resources leadership. My current role is serving as founder and CEO of Fire Starter LLC, a certified woman-owned, full-service marketing agency. We use a unique model that provides fractional or full-service marketing and communications support to mission-oriented organizations in times of great need and growth. I am really proud that our team has grown exponentially over the last three years to have clients in multiple states and business verticals. Of course, my most important roles are that of wife to Joe and mom to Drew.
During my early professional career, I focused on industrial athletic training and ergonomics. I authored a textbook on occupational athletic training and served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Indianapolis in the athletic training curriculum. Since I was in a non-traditional athletic training role, I was asked to help grow that field. I became active in leadership roles at the state and national levels, eventually serving as a national committee chair representing thousands of professionals across the country, and was awarded statewide and nationally for my leadership. This experience taught me valuable listening and advocacy skills I put to use right here in Carmel.
Now, I’m running to be your next mayor. I want to be the leader that residents and businesses count on to take this fine community to the next level, focusing on public safety, collaboration and fiscal responsibility.
After joining a consulting firm and traveling regularly out-of-state, I decided to accept a role that allowed me to put down roots. I took a job in Carmel in 2005, and we moved here in 2007 so our son could enter Carmel schools as a kindergarten student. After embracing this community that is committed to excellence, I became interested in community leadership and searched for ways to get involved. I joined the Kiwanis Club, volunteered at school events and eventually found a community in those who gave back in public service roles.
I figured I'd put my marketing and advocacy experience to work to help other candidates win, but eventually felt called to run for local office to advocate for Carmel residents. I was successful in my first attempt, and was elected to represent Carmel in 2012. Since that time, I have served as president (2021, 2017), vice president (2020, 2016), finance chair (multiple years) and redistricting coordinator (2018). I am co-founder of LetsTalkCarmel.com, a City of Carmel community transparency portal, and serve a member of the Hamilton County Solid Waste Board. I have also served as vice-chair for the Hamilton County Economic Development Corporation and co-founded Carmel Porchfest, an incredibly fun music festival held on front porches north of Main Street.
Now, I’m running to be your next mayor. I want to be the leader that residents and businesses count on to take this fine community to the next level, focusing on public safety, collaboration and fiscal responsibility.