Community Work
Some of the ways I have already positively impacted our area.
Tree Streets Community Builder
When we moved to the Tree Streets, I wanted to be part of an engaged neighborhood, where people passed tomatoes over the fence and looked after one another’s pets and kids. As President of the Tree Street’s South Side Neighborhood Organization (SNO) for 4 years (2010-2014), my appreciation for what it takes to maintain that culture has deepened. Keeping neighborhoods connected and engaged takes watchdogs for zoning, traffic, and maintenance. It takes history buffs to connect us with our past. It takes volunteers for Fourth of July parades or block parties. It takes evening walks around the block, stopping to exchange news with our neighbors. As a neighborhood leader I helped develop seven Little Free Libraries, which are still in use, as well as the first community-developed street mural in Johnson City.
As a county commissioner, I have a strong appreciation for how policies and funding impact the experiences of neighbors and communities in terms of health, wellbeing, and safety.
Jodi (on left) at one of the seven Little Free Library locations.
The Tree Streets Traffic Mural has been repainted by the community three times since its original work in 2018.
Jodi (center, in purple) with other activists in front of the Model Mill.
Sustainable Growth Activist
When I was president of the Southside Neighborhood Organization, the vacant Model Mill property, which runs along one of the neighborhood borders, was set to be sold. “The Mill” was a true blight, and the Chamber had been approached by a developer whose plan was to demolish the existing structures and build a large apartment complex. For nearly two years, I led the neighborhood in an amazing process of discovery, advocacy, and community building to save this important historic building on 7 acres central to the West Walnut Street corridor. Ultimately, a local buyer stepped in with plans to refurbish the old buildings and develop the property in line with the needs and interests of the local community.
As a county commissioner, I have continued my work in this area as a member of the Board for the Johnson City Development Authority (JCDA; since July, 2017). A key project of the JCDA has been the transition of residents in low-income housing at the John Sevier Center to a new housing complex, the Tapestry at Roan Hill. I have been involved in this project since its inception in 2019, and an advocate for our neighbors in this housing community. As the residents transition to their new home (December, 2025), a potential developer has been identified to restore the John Sevier to its old glory: an historic hotel in our downtown.
Jodi (center, in blue) with members of the Tannery Knob Steering Committee.
Weekends without soccer find Jodi and her family out hiking in the mountains that surround Johnson City.
Outdoor Enthusiast
We moved to Washington County in part because of its access to so many wild and natural places. My husband and I have always enjoyed biking, hiking, and spending time in nature and we raised our boys to be the same. We know that spending time in such places is healing: physically, mentally, and spiritually. I have been involved in several projects to encourage our community to get outside. For several years, my husband and I have maintained a website listing local hikes for families. I served on the Steering Committee developing Tannery Knob into a top-notch mountain bike park and continue to support its development through grant writing. In addition, since 2021, I have served in various capacities including as coach for the Science Hill High School Mountain Bike Team in an effort to build the legacy of youth mountain biking in our region.
I care deeply about our community’s access to blue and green spaces where they can relax, connect with friends, and exercise. The idea of a greenspace infrastructure is still new in Washington County, but residents increasingly support the desire to see those amenities. As your county commissioner, I will continue to work with the Town of Jonesborough and City of Johnson City on ways to connect and grow trails, parks, and access to waterways that benefit the wellbeing of our citizens.
Health Care Innovator (ETSU)
As a psychologist, my most essential skills are working with people who are struggling with their internal experiences. That said, the work for which I have earned a national reputation is developing ways to deliver behavioral healthcare. Stigma, cost, and other barriers keep many people from getting the help they need for depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. For over 20 years, I have been developing programs for delivering mental health services in primary care. (Read about it on The Atlantic online.) People trust their doctor, and when mental health is delivered with physical health care, it is more accessible, whole-person care. Because of this work, I understand the healthcare needs of our region and I believe a voice from the health care sector has been an important one on the commission.
As your commissioner, I have led a number of health-related initiatives including: 1) member of the Washington County Board of Health (since 2018), 2) Chair of the Health, Education, and Welfare Committee (2020-2024), and 3) member of the Washington County Jail Mental Health Task Force. Some of the most gratifying work I have done on the commission was to lead the effort to disburse $4.3M in opioid abatement funds in a transparent and community-engaged way. The 7 projects who received this funding remain critical components in our county’s recovery ecosystem. Work on that project led to a follow-up initiative to use the County’s allotment of State abatement funds to develop a Behavioral Health Services Division in the Jail.
Jodi presenting with an interprofessional team from ETSU's Academic Health Sciences Center.
The Washington County Jail Mental Health Task Force is attended by stakeholders/agencies from all over the county who want to facilitate better care for those who are incarcerated.
One of the projects funded by the Washington County Commission from the Baby Doe Opioid Abatement Settlement fund was the JCRC in downtown Johnson City, which has served thousands of community members over the past 3 years.