Voting Process:

1. Review instructions in this introductory section.
2. Review candidate information below and check out Meet the Candidates Town Hall recording.
3. Go to voting ballot (Enter Election Confirmation Code: 8331722, and then your contact info to receive a unique verification code to access the ballot).

What is the Executive Committee?

The Executive Committee shall be an eleven-member board of individuals responsible for steering the organization through the political party recognition process. The individual members will be elected to serve in this function for one term lasting one year or until the first NC-FWD State Convention, whichever comes sooner. At the end of the term, members will be eligible to run for re-election. Executive Committee members will work with the Volunteer State Leads to determine the operating model that best achieves the objective of party recognition.

Contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Candidates:

Bobby McGee Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   Same reason I hear from all I've met in it so far -- we can do more with real discussion and negotiations than we ever will by yelling at each other from two different sides of the aisle.   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles? Please check out my LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lookatmcgee/ I have a ton of organizing and marketing experience... and just as much drive to get things done. I started my political campaign (and PAC) for 2024, the day after the 2022 election was held. I have my bank accounts, have begun my listening tour, and have begun to draft out my platform. I also have GREAT name recognition for those already in the largest voting pool... "We And Bobby McGee!" I have that url too and have begun to work to meet all the Raleigh leaders beginning in Jan 2023.

Viktor Shepelin Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   I believe the Forward Party is the most exciting political force of my (adult) lifetime with the highest potential for producing significant, positive civic change. I have followed Andrew Yang since his presidential campaign because he was talking about practical solutions for real problems, not peddling partisan rhetoric and empty promises. Yang left the Democratic Party and put out his Forward Party vision around the time I decided to take a career break and, among other things, try to help improve my community through political action. The framework he outlined for turning around our politics made a lot of practical sense to me. After reading Yang’s Forward book, I got involved with Better Ballot North Carolina, a Ranked Choice Voting organization where I am now Treasurer and Fundraising Lead. Once the Forward Party started to organize nationwide following the merger with SAM and RAM this summer, I reached out to folks launching the North Carolina chapter and became one of the State Leads.   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles?   I believe I bring the types of organizational and business skills needed to execute our party formation strategy. I’ve spent 10+ years working in product/business development and project management. I have led the development of software products with teams involving as few as 4 people and as many as 300. Prior to taking a career break, I was the US head of product for my business division at a large financial institution. I have extensive experience in strategy development, planning and implementation. I enjoy taking large, complex problems and breaking them down into simple and easily achievable plans. I value clear, direct communication and transparency. I like to stay hands-on with all aspects of a project I'm leading / working on and always strive to empower my colleagues with relevant feedback, tools and content.   As a State Lead, I’ve focused on organizing our party formation roadmap, improving our engagement with supporters and volunteers, preparing meeting materials, and setting up tools and processes to make us more efficient.   Outside of my family and friends, the work that I am doing with the Forward Party has brought the most meaning and purpose to my daily life because of what I believe we can achieve when we go Forward Together.

David Buckland Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   I am tired of partisan politics and Washington not working together for the good of this nation.   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles?   20 years as an Army NCO and officer, 35 years as a family practice PA and a Masters in Restorative Justice.

Edward Patterson Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   I have always considered myself in the middle politically. I have voted for Republican and Democratic candidates throughout my adult voting life. While never feeling lock in step with either party I did lean Republican in my voting pattern until 2016. After this I found myself voting primarily Democratic more for an opposition vote instead of endorsing the Democratic platform. I agree both parties are now anchored to their extreme bases and this anchorage breaks down bipartisanship and getting things done for our people. Senate hearings are now for Twitter feed and to opposition or support of bills is only to check box for base voter support. I am excited for the prospect of well funded and organized 3rd party that can finally disrupt the status quo of the two party system. This party can provide the voice for logical middle of this country, those of us who care more about finding solutions instead of scoring ideological points.   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles?   I have been a high school social studies teacher for over ten years. I have witnessed through my courses content the devolution of our party system over the past decade. I have seen this political erosion filter down to teenagers with increased apathy and alienation for the civic processes. I have taught about civic duties and responsibilities for years. I would be honored by the opportunity to put my experience as a social studies educator to use in growing and developing the Forward movement within our state.

Walter Weeks Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   I've watched the two major parties gradually pull our country apart while putting party power ahead of consensus building. I want to be part of creating a viable third party that seeks to create balance in our system. Several of our founding fathers warned us of the dangers of political parties and of a country dominated by two major parties. I agree with John Adams who said “ There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.” We need a third party to serve as a fulcrum. We need to move Forward.   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles?   First, I spent my career running governmental and nonprofit organizations. In that capacity, I frequently spent time with our state and local legislators advocating for people with developmental disabilities and for other causes. I have extensive experience serving on nonprofit and local government boards of directors. In addition, I have run for office five times and been elected each time, serving one term as a town commissioner and four terms as my town's mayor. I have good relationships with leaders in both parties. My sister ran an unsuccessful campaign for state house a few years ago as a democrat. This year, I was a volunteer helping the republican who defeated her win his re-election campaign. I believe I can help organize our party and I can help our candidates win elections.

Michael Davis Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   I'm interested in FWD movement because I'm tired of partisan politics and the idea that a candidate has to essentially say what the party wants. I would love to see an organization that drives local politics, whilst also keeping the value/belief system in place.   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles?   Throughout my entire life, I have been involved in political operations - including GOTV, IT systems, party governance, and fundraising. I would love to see the NC-FWD movement progress into a party that is a real 3rd party in the American system. My background as a CEO, CFO and director of corporate businesses makes me a great candidate to serve on the ExCo of NC-FWD especially as Treasurer and/or Director.   I am interested in joining the executive committee for the Forward Party NC due to my interests in advancing a like minded group of individuals that have diverse ideas, but listen to others' ideas and are willing to change - OR - accommodate those thoughts.  As a lifelong active member in the Democratic party, I grew up in a Teamsters household and did GOTV since the age of 10.  As an intern and volunteer, I worked with a state Democratic party in city, county, state and national campaigns to roll out and do data analysis and fundraising using the VAN software.  After returning from living abroad and moving to NC, I believe the time is right to get back involved in the political sphere and see where I can make an impact using my skills.    Specifically, I am currently the CFO of a mid-sized General Contractor based in Mooresville, and have started and run numerous businesses throughout the world.  In addition, I was elected by my peers to be the President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Uganda - a volunteer organization that had multiple staff members where we raised money from members to influence the public, the government, and the private sector to modify or enforce rules and regulations regarding American investment in Uganda and East Africa.   I would like the opportunity to utilize my 20+ years of executive experience in kicking off this party and seeing how we can work together to make a difference in the future.   Here is my LinkedIn for reference:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedavis000/ Here is my Twitter for reference:  @MichaelDDavisJr

Jesse Thomas Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   The current two party system is broken, out of touch with ordinary citizens and has resulted in over 34% of registered voters to disaffect or become unaffiliated in NC. The tailwinds of necessary change are blowing with the requisite critical mass!   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles?   I'm a compassionate, common sense, and conservative citizen who is determined to be a part of the solution instead of the problem. Also, I'm confident that along with me there is a wide middle ground between the two extremes. A middle ground of common sense, compassion and desire to do the right thing; to work hard to support self, family and neighbor, State and Country; to be free - independent - and self reliant; to promote equality of access and opportunity for All regardless of their zip code. I wholeheartedly embrace the Forward Values, and enthusiastically support Rank Choice Voting and Term Limits. I will fight for public service over politics. Politics, lust for retaining power at all cost, and the personal interests of the career politicians has corrupted the system, the American dream and the glorious ideal of "out of many one". It has been my privilege to run for the US Congress and serve as a delegate to the National Convention of the RNC. Also, I'm contemplating running for statewide office in the 2024 cycle and determined to "walk the talk" and be the change I want our State and Country to embrace again and set aside toxic disunity. In that connection, I'm submitting my self nomination and enthusiastically ask for your vote and support! Thank you very kindly!   Additional Bio

Victor Hoerst Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   Political reform is desperately needed. The Forward Party is the best avenue and organization to bring about that reform.   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles?   Many many years ago I was the lead organizer for high schoolers in campaigning to help get our government teacher elected to the state legislature for the first time.   More recently, my job is to develop and promote commercial and industrial scale energy solutions. This requires a lot of project management and working with teams internally, but always focus on delivering a message that will be well received by the outside world. This experience and skill set would be of benefit to help NC-FWD deliver their message effectively to the state of North Carolina.

Adrian Martin Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   For decades there’s been a palpable increase in the polarization of our political system to the benefit of a few. I was drawn to Forward because it’s core platform, if implemented, of Ranked Choice Voting, Nonpartisan Primaries, and Independent Redistricting commissions, I believe are crucial to decreasing polarization and increasing saner choices of representation.    As nominated by others:   "Wants to make the country better"   "Adrian thinks that our democracy can be better and I have seen him put in so much work to help the community grow here in Nc. I think he would help take the party to new heights and can help us gain traction as we start working for ballot access"   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles? I’ve been working with the North Carolina Forward Party since they announced the merger earlier this year. Initially with the first incarnation of the Policy Team and now, leading the Communications team helping to expand our social media presence and communication. I’m committed helping Forward build a strong presence in North Carolina to provide voters with better choices at the ballot box.   As nominated by others:   "Background in tech, has been involved in helping the party grow for a while."

Lori Eason Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   Because I want to move away from the current 2 party system that has become very divisive. I am looking for a more centrist party which I think Forward is.   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles?   I have been a political and social justice advocate most of my life. I have a decades long career working both in the Federal Government and the non-profit sector in senior level positions. I have been a CFO of several organizations and also a CAO. I served on the US Department of the Treasury CFO Council when I was the Comptroller of the Federal Financing Bank. After leaving the Treasury Department I was asked to join the Treasury Customer Advisor Board which I served on during my tenure as CFO of the Presidio Trust in SF California. I am a seasoned financial professional who possesses the ability to see matters from a high level and a broad perspective...basically, I can connect the dots. I would like to bring these skills to the Forward Party. I think I can add value.

Landon Orr Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   The primary reason as to why I am interested in the Forward Parties efforts in North Carolina is because North Carolina is known as a swing state. The two-party system consistently promises to change things but continually fails to produce any truly meaningful results. Anything they do "achieve" they gloat about... as if they went above and beyond the duties of their job.   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles?   With regard to my experience, I have served in a multitude of positions both relating to politics and some not. I currently serve as a State Liaison with the Country First 1st Movement under Adam Kinzinger. Additionally, this month, I was appointed to the position of Principal Director for the Ballot Access Coalition.   YOUTHIVISM National Advisory Board Member (2019-Present) Youth Advocate for Parents Against Vaping E-cigarettes (2022-Present) Administrative Assistant (2019-2020) Interim President of FTFHS FBLA (2020-2022) President of FTFHS International Club (2021-2022) Catawba County Youth Council member (2020-2022) Co-Chairman for FTFHS Model United Nations Chapter (2020-2022)   With regards to my vision, if the Forward Party were to establish a foothold in crucial areas of North Carolina that we could bring our topic of confronting petty partisan ideologues, front and center not only to the Two-party system establishment but to the entirety of the citizenry. It is my sincerest belief that broadcasting our message is paramount to the Forward Parties survival. In tandem with our efforts to formulate a party petition we can simultaneously utilize this time to broadcast our message.   I will adamantly collaborate with the Executive Committee to formulate and develop systems through which the NC Forward Party can be adaptive, all while ensuring that the views which are most conducive to the party and movements efforts are not only listened to but facilitated and developed upon. Upon receiving the honorable task of serving as the first Chairperson of the Forward Party, I will work tirelessly to establish a precedent for all to work both smarter and harder, everyone, leading with introspection and the values of the Forward Party.   More than anything else, I will work to cultivate an environment of professional growth and development-oriented mindsets. What I don't know I will consult with my fellow Executive Committee members with so that I can continually personally and professionally develop myself along with my leadership capability.

Myia Hall Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   I have seen modern politics break up relationships between friends and families and I realize that just voting is not enough, we need to change the reasons why people run for elections. I think our democracy can be so much better and should happen in such a way that does not ruin relationships. We should be able to disagree with one another without the country collapsing. I am tired of fighting people also struggling with me and want to help change the country for the better.   As nominated by others:   "I’m nominating MJ Hall for this position as she has enabled FWD party to become what it is today - I’ve seen her dedicate herself to this cause since day 1 when there less than 7 people in this movement."   "MJ wants to help make Democracy better, wants her vote to actually matter, and reflect her interests."   "Because North Carolinians deserve better!"   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles? As nominated by others: "Myia is smart, energetic, focused, strategic, and a good person who represents the non-duopoloy movement well."   "MJ is incredibly intelligent, beyond dedicated, understands the nuances of forming a grassroots movement and group game, and embodies all the qualities a leader should have. She has inspired numerous people to join FWD and dedicate themselves to being a new future collectively by her own committee."   "MJ has been leading the charge in many aspects and capacity for the Forward Party as a member of the state leads team. She has clearly exemplified the type of person that is needed to move this party Forward."   "Leadership skills"

Jack Reneo Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   To save the country and democracy from gridlock and toxicity.   As nominated by others:   "Jack has been active in the Forward Party in NC from the beginning, believing in the mission and committed to our success"   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles? 10+ years in various financial roles spanning CPA work at accounting firms, Wall street trading, Operations Risk Manager at a top investment bank, and Project Manager for cross-divisional projects. Vision -> use my experience in entrepreneurship to assist FWD with more effective messaging and strategy. I detailed many of my ideas on documents loaded on our shared Policy folder. Most recently, the FAQ document I created to document verbal discussions we are having on the policy team.   As nominated by others:   "Jack has been actively involved in our Working Groups, has a strong understanding of what we are trying to accomplish, and has also participated in FWD-NC progress meetings with National representing his WGs."

Patrick Newton Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   I have always believed our country needs a viable 3rd party, and I believe the Forward Party can be the answer.   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles? I have a degree in Political Science. At one point I worked for a US Congressman in Washington, DC. I have a great deal of business experience. I have been a North Carolina resident for 15 years and I live in the Capitol city, Raleigh.

Barney Johnston Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   I am interested in helping to create a moderate political party with moderate vision and values that addresses the needs of NC citizens.   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles?   My service as a federal employee, teacher, academic researcher, and entrepreneur have taught me the value of creating a vision and constructing a path for people to turn effort into outcome.

Lorne Davis Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   We have allowed the fringes of the political spectrum outsized influence over the last number of years. Our "representative democracy" has not been particularly "representative" - more choosing a "lessor of two evils". I have been looking for "middle" options for many years now (I am also a member of "No Labels"), one that can have counterbalancing influence in our politics and ultimately governance. The Forward Party seems to offer the best 3rd party option to help re-balance, for the good of the country, our system, policies and politics.   As nominated by others:   "I think Lorne is an asset to the Forward Party with experience in leadership, facilitation, and engagement"   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles? I have had a long career in management and leadership roles, as well as professional group facilitation & training experience over the last 7 years. My sales and marketing leadership background helps me understand the importance of engagement and participation, as well as the skills to drive to reach that end - critical for a new movement and party. My facilitation experience and skills help drive our desired outcomes in an organized, action oriented way, prompting wider scale involvement and participation. I also have been involved in the past in political campaigns, including in a leadership position. Lastly, I am a member of No Labels, bringing contacts and ideas that could help with our mission.   As nominated by others:   "Background in tech, has been involved in helping the party grow for a while."

Lisa Hetzler Why are you interested in NC-FWD?   I am tired of the two party system and the rhetoric that it all brings. They are no longer fighting for the people of the United States, but for the party they are under. Then they have the extremes that are just putting the peoples needs to the side. Things have to change and I no longer want to sit and watch our democracy fall apart.   What makes you a good candidate to serve on the Executive Committee and the selected roles?   As a Senior Accountant in a logistics company with a Masters Degree in Accounting and Financial Management, I have skills that could be utilized within certain aspects of this movement, a movement that is so needed right now. I was never a big political person in the past, just always doing my civic duty to get my vote out there, but right now I no longer feel we as a people are being heard. I want to be part of a movement to start that change. I also volunteer weekly within my community, and care about the future of our state.