From an early age, I have aggressively pursued opportunities to learn how government works, from the local level to the national level. I earned my business degree at TTU in 1999 and quickly began building a career in finance and insurance, earning my securities license in 2001 and joining my family’s business, Swallows Insurance Agency, where I now serve as vice president.
Over the past several years, I have actively sought community leadership roles. I have graduated from both Leadership Overton County and Leadership Upper Cumberland and have been a member of the Cookeville City Planning Commission since 2009. I am also an active member of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and the Livingston-Overton County Chamber of Commerce.
I sincerely believe that Cookeville has a special combination of people and resources that uniquely positions us to thrive, both now and in the future. There’s a certain magic in this Upper Cumberland air, and I look forward, with your help, to having the opportunity to further cultivate, spearhead and cheer on community, business, cultural and arts initiatives — all the things that make Cookeville great. No one will work harder than I will to further foster our area as a great place to live and play, whether you’re a retiree, a young family, an artist, a student, or a business professional.
Born and raised in Livingston, Tenn., and graduated with honors from Livingston Academy
- Class president all four years
- Student Council member all four years
- Member of Presidential Classroom and attended Senate meetings, Supreme Court hearings and Presidential inauguration in his senior year
Graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 1999 with a degree in business administration with a concentration in finance
Played football at TTU as wide receiver
Worked for Aetna/US Healthcare in Nashville, Tenn., from 1999 to 2000
- Helped negotiate health insurance contracts between Aetna and St. Thomas Hospital and Northcrest Hospital in Springfield, Tenn.
- Was #2 in sales in the state for Aetna 1999-2000
Received financial securities license in 2001
Returned to Cookeville in 2001 to begin working for family business, Swallows Insurance Agency
Graduated from Leadership Overton County in 2002
Graduated from Leadership Upper Cumberland in 2005
Was designated as a Certified Insurance Counselor and a Certified Workers' Compensation Advisor in 2007
Is currently working toward designation as a Certified Risk Manager
Has been a member of Cookeville City Planning Commission since 2009
Relay for Life Team Captain for Swallows Agency in May 2010
Is current Vice President of Swallows Insurance Agency, which has four locations in the Upper Cumberland region
Is an active member of Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce
- Helped organize and volunteer with Railroad Rendezvous
- Is a Small Business Expo volunteer
Is a member of the Livingston-Overton County Chamber of Commerce
