As a successful military, business and nonprofit leader, Shawn knows what it takes to get things done.
Shawn grew up in his dad’s small part store in a little farming town of Parkin, Arkansas. He lettered in four sports and was named an all-state baseball player. He graduated as class salutatorian and performed as an accomplished classical pianist. Instead of immediately attending college, Shawn enlisted in the US Air Force where he spent 7 years living and serving overseas in addition to a short duty assignment in the Middle East in 1991. Because of the high operational tempo, Shawn served alongside military personnel from many different nations.
While serving in the military, Shawn earned his BS Degree from the University of Maryland University College. He was a Security Police Specialist and later he was selected as the first Senior Airman who was an Airman Leadership School instructor. During this time, Shawn became a Stephen Covey Certified Facilitator and Strategic Planning Leader. His visionary leadership at such a low rank and young age were instrumental in his selection as Airman of the Year two years in a row and Instructor of the Year despite being the lowest ranking instructor. He earned numerous medals and awards for his service.
After being honorably discharged, Shawn was quickly promoted and served in various leadership roles for Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders such as Bridgestone, Goodyear, Schneider National Carriers, and Excel Logistics where he led up to 150 people, managed a $110 million region, and worked with people from about 50 nations.
Shawn became active in the Roswell community as a Roswell Youth Baseball Association (RYBA) coach and he coached at all levels of the program. Shawn’s Roswell Black Hornets team represented Roswell well in national tournaments in Cooperstown, NY and Myrtle Beach, SC with all of his 14U players being chosen for their respective high school teams. He even umpired some of the youth baseball games and served on the RYBA Board of Directors. Although he no longer coaches a team, Shawn leads all the RYBA baseball camps for both fall and summer along with leading some City of Roswell baseball camps during the summer. His leadership with these young boys goes far beyond the baseball field.
A few months after taking a missions trip to support Elam Ministries in the Middle East, he began a journey to later become the Regional Director for Elam and move completely out of the business world. Elam is an Iranian Christian ministry that strengthens and expands the church in the Iran region. He also served on his local church board that represents 20 different nationalities and multiple ethnic groups.
Shawn is married to Jean who is also an Air Force veteran. Shawn is the proud parent of five children and four grandchildren: one who graduated from Roswell High and three who attend Roswell Public Schools today.
Shawn has dedicated his life to leading through serving and uniting people. He would be honored to earn your vote for City Council and he promises to lead honorably, serve others before himself, and unite ALL of Roswell who want to join in a great future for Roswell.