If you had told me growing up that I’d become an elected official, I wouldn't have believed you. I come from a hard-working, apolitical single-parent family in rural North Carolina. If you asked my dad what I did for a living, he’d likely say, “Dalton talks to people.” 

 

I was lucky enough to attend Appalachian State University, where I graduated in 2021.

As an undergrad, I was deeply engaged in community organizing efforts to address some of the issues I saw right here in Boone. I founded a tenant’s rights organization – Boone Fair Housing – fought for voting rights, knocked on thousands of doors to have in-depth conversations, worked on political campaigns, and served on Town boards.

(If one of my former professors is reading this, you know why I missed so many of your classes!)

 

I was appointed to serve as a Council member in August 2021 after much encouragement from some of the people I had helped through my work with Boone Fair Housing. I later ran in November 2021, when I was elected to a two-year term. I then ran again and was re-elected in 2023 to a four-year term, and was honored to be appointed

Mayor Pro-Tempore by my colleagues on the Council. 

 

My professional background is rooted in community organizing. In previous roles, I’ve built organizing movements across Western NC, led campaigns for better living conditions for renters, and worked for government transparency. I currently serve as the National Grassroots Organizer for the Endangered Species Coalition, where I work across the nation to secure and defend protections that are critical for wildlife. 

 

I live right in the heart of Boone, where I hope to continue to live and grow.

You can usually spot me walking to a meeting alongside several

of our streets!