Who Am I?
Deep Roots in Prince George
I was born and raised in Prince George County.
My family (Collins) has lived here for three generations. While my Dad was a union man, who worked in the lab at a local Chemical plant, he raised livestock and cut timber on the side. Today he would be considered a hobby farmer. This side work kept the family afloat during several tough union strikes. Though my parents didn’t live on a farm, my dad’s parents owned a farm and my mother and her family were tobacco farmers in NC. Much of my childhood was spent working and playing on local farms. My Mom raised three kids and drove a Prince George County School Bus for 22 years. When she wasn’t driving a bus, she was helping my Dad raise beef cows, and at various times pigs, chickens and goats. I’ve chased more than my fair share of loose livestock, and hauled enough firewood to heat the County several times over.
I attended Prince George County Public Schools, graduating in 1983 with an education in office management. Skills that would serve me well in my later work experiences.
Work Experience
After graduating I worked several service industry jobs. At the age of 20, I began working as a Communications Officer for Prince George County Police Department.
The position required me to answer 911 calls, and dispatch the proper personnel and equipment to assist with emergencies. On a daily basis, I interacted with the Citizens of Prince George, and worked with many County departments, and often with surrounding agencies for mutual aid assistance.
I obtained multiple certifications and training in Public Safety. During those years I held the position of Training Officer and Supervisor. I was involved in the Daily operations of the Communications Center and worked on writing policies, creating budgets and personnel staffing.
In 2018, I retired from the County after 32 years of service.
Economic Development Authority Board
In 2024, I was appointed to the Prince George Economic Development Authority Board. During this time one of the projects the EDA Board has been working on it the Micro Business Grant program.
The program is designed to help small businesses with 25 employees or less, have been in operation in the County for 2 years or more, have a brick and mortar business. It is a 1:1 grant, where the business puts up half the expense and the grant will match the other half. There are more details available through the Prince George Economic Development Authority office.
I hope to work on other such programs to help the County’s businesses.