Andrew – the fifth of seven children – learned at an early age the importance of hard work, self-discipline, and courage. His father, a construction worker, and his mother, a school bus driver, showed him that you can accomplish anything if you have a purpose, exercise a vision, and work diligently to see it through. Andrew continues to apply these lessons as a husband and public servant.
During his time at FAMU, his grandmother’s words, “bring that college home” echoed in his ears. As the first of his siblings to attend college, he realized it was his responsibility to bring that educational experience home to his brothers and sisters. Following this sage advice, Andrew excelled academically and in student leadership, serving in the Student Senate and later being elected president of the student body at FAMU. While serving the student body, Andrew helped organize and lead the historic “March on Tallahassee” in opposition to regressive education policies. After graduating from FAMU in 2003, Andrew led the largest get-out-the-vote campaign in Florida’s history.
Since his 2003 election to the City Commission, Andrew has fought tirelessly and purposefully for the people of Tallahassee. For the past nine years, he has been a forward thinking leader initiating innovative programs that improve our neighborhoods, roads, schools and universities, and our local economy. Andrew formed a community partnership to create the Digital Harmony Project which helped close the digital divide that hindered educational attainment for the children of low-income families. Andrew also organized civic leaders and state agencies to implement Florida’s first Restorative Justice and Teen Center at Palmer Munroe improving our youth’s academic, personal and professional development.
Following 2008’s financial meltdown, Andrew has fought tirelessly with business owners to revive our local Tallahassee economy by helping working families and small business. He led the City Commission’s efforts to institute a utility deposit rebate policy which put a much needed $5 million back into our local economy, reduced the initial security deposit for businesses, and enhanced opportunities for job creation. Andrew continuously seeks to institute mechanisms for greater transparency in operations as well as streamline the development permitting processes to enhance administrative efficiency and cost effectiveness for the private and public sector.
Andrew and his wife R. Jai live and work here in Tallahassee. They are committed to ensuring that Tallahassee is a vibrant, safe, and entrepreneurial city where families can flourish, local businesses can thrive, and our children can feel safe.
