Rooted in Faith, Focused on the Future

When people ask me what drives my work in business and economic development, my answer is always the same: faith, family, and service. These words are the foundation of every decision I make, both personally and professionally. As a conservative business leader and proud Alabamian, I believe strong states are built the same way strong families are—through hard work, tenacity, and love for our neighbors.

For over two decades, I have worked to grow Alabama’s economy and business community in our urban centers as well as small towns that too often get overlooked. From rural farm communities to former mill towns and everything in between, I have seen firsthand that real prosperity grows when we empower families, reward responsibility, and honor the values that hold our communities together.

The Conservative Framework: Less Red Tape, More Results

Good policy starts with good principles. As conservatives, we believe in limited government, local control, and individual freedom. But these ideas are not just political talking points; they are real tools that help families and communities thrive.

When government is too big or too slow, it gets in the way of opportunity. I have sat with small business owners who could not expand because of outdated zoning laws. I have seen job creators walk away from towns with burdensome regulations and no support for infrastructure. It does not have to be this way. By streamlining bureaucracy and letting local leaders make local decisions, we can create space for innovation and growth.

Fiscal responsibility also matters. When we manage budgets with care, we build trust. Taxpayer dollars are not monopoly money; they come from the hard-earned paychecks of our neighbors. That is why I advocate for policies that invest wisely: in roads, broadband, workforce training, and other essentials that support families and businesses without wasting money on bloated programs.

Family-Centric Policy is Smart Policy

Behind every economic decision is a family impacted by its outcome. Family values are moral as well as practical. Stable families create stable communities. They raise the next generation of workers, leaders, and entrepreneurs. When we center families in our economic policy, we build a stronger foundation for everyone.

Consider childcare. If families cannot find affordable, reliable care, parents—especially mothers—struggle to stay in the workforce. This is not just a “women’s issue,” it is an economic issue. Supporting local childcare providers, expanding early learning access, and encouraging workplace flexibility helps parents contribute fully to our economy.

Or look at housing. When families cannot find safe, affordable homes, it affects school stability, job access, and community pride. By encouraging homeownership through local incentives, reducing unnecessary regulations on builders, and prioritizing infrastructure improvements in family neighborhoods, we create places where people want to live and grow.

Investing in People, Not Just Projects

Too often, economic development or commercial real estate projects are viewed through the lens of big numbers—how many jobs were created, how much capital was invested. But behind those numbers are real people trying to build a life. We should never lose sight of that.

One of my proudest initiatives I was a part of was the “I Shop Local” campaign, which highlighted the small businesses at the heart of our communities. Extending beyond economic engines, these are the places where families gather, teens get their first job, and legacies are passed down. When we support local business, we are investing in people we know by name.

Workforce development is another critical area. A stable job and a paycheck gives men and women dignity. It gives people hope. By creating training programs that match local industry needs, partnering with schools, and encouraging second-chance hiring for those reentering society, we uplift entire households.

Leading with Faith in Public Service

My faith teaches me that leadership is about service, not spotlight. I am blessed to walk this journey with my husband, State Representative Tim Wadsworth, whose commitment to public service reflects our shared belief that strong, hardworking families should guide policy—not be sidelined by it.

Faith is a compass in good governance. It reminds us to care for the widow and the orphan, to volunteer in the community, to work hard, and to act justly. When policy is guided by faith and a sense of duty to others, it results in laws that protect the vulnerable and reward the responsible.

I have seen this in action through countless civic organizations, nonprofit organizations, and church partnerships, where volunteers meet needs long before government steps in. Whether delivering meals, hosting job fairs, or mentoring at-risk youth, faith communities are critical allies in building healthy, hopeful towns.

The Alabama Blueprint—and Beyond

Alabama is not perfect, but it is home. And I believe the conservative principles that guide us here can serve as a model for other states looking to strengthen their communities. Alabama needs to be first in the “good” things, and that starts with real leaders who truly understand our economy and our communities. Keep government close to the people. Prioritize families in every economic conversation. Budget like every dollar matters—because it does.

Let’s also remember that strong states do not have to choose between growth and tradition. We can honor our heritage while preparing for the future. We can teach our children about hard work and also about entrepreneurship. We can build new industries without abandoning the people and values that make our towns special.

Moving Forward Together

As we look ahead, let us keep our focus clear. The goal of economic development is to create sustainable career opportunities and to make life better for the people who call communities across our 67 counties home. That starts with strong families, grounded in faith, supported by sound fiscal policy.

If we get those things right, the rest will fall into place. 

From my family to yours—thank you for believing in the work, in the mission, and in each other. Let’s keep building a better Alabama, one principle and one family at a time.