UNC Charlotte alumni whose careers span a broad spectrum of federal, state and local public service paths, including as elected officials, will kick off programming for the 49er Democracy Experience ahead of the 2020 election cycle and leading up to the Republican National Convention next summer in the Queen City.
A panel titled, “Where Are They Now?” will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Atkins Library Halton Reading Room. Doors open at 1 p.m., with panel remarks starting at 1:20 p.m. Students from all majors are encouraged to attend; networking follows the discussion and question-and-answer session.
A nonpartisan forum, the 49er Democracy Experience launched originally prior to the 2012 Democratic National Convention held in Charlotte, offering opportunities for the campus and greater communities to learn more about engaging and becoming an informed citizenry. And it continues, connecting students, faculty, staff and others through events and information on its website about voter registration, primary and election news, internship and volunteer opportunities and more.
“The 49er Democracy Experience allows students to engage deeply in all aspects of the voting and the election process—from volunteering, meeting candidates and encouraging their peers to register to vote, to going together to the polls on election day," said Tamara Johnson, director of engaged scholarship for the University. “Opportunities exist for exercising all options available for engaged citizenship."
The panel features six distinguished UNC Charlotte alumni, who will discuss their public service careers. They are: Jordan Barnes ’09, Western Regional representative for U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis; Rep. Mary Belk ’06, N.C. House of Representatives; Rodney Harris ’06 ’08 MPA, deputy county manager for Cabarrus County; Rep. Jake Johnson ’16, N.C. House of Representatives; Addison McDowell ’16, grassroots associate, N.C. League of Municipalities; and Tracy Montross ’10 MPA, regional director of government affairs, American Airlines.
Barnes, who completed a bachelor’s degree in political science, is responsible for managing the senator’s western region office to maintain strong ties with community leaders and constituents.
Belk, who is in her second term in the legislature, represents the county; she serves on Appropriations, Judiciary, Regulatory Reform and Transportation committees. A nontraditional student, Belk entered UNC Charlotte after her children were grown, engaging in student activities such as Model United Nations.
As deputy manager for Catawba County, Harris has oversight of county finance, budgeting, procurement, libraries, and veterans services. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration.
Johnson, currently the youngest member in the General Assembly, represents Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties and serves on the Education K-12, Finance, Regulatory Reform, Wildlife Resources, and Homeland Security, Military, and Veterans Affairs committees. Rep. Johnson was elected to the Polk County Commission a week after completing a bachelor’s degree in political science.
As a grassroots associate for the N.C. League of Municipalities, McDowell works directly with the league's member cities and towns to facilitate partnerships and relationships between municipal officials with legislators, their staff and other policymakers.
American Airlines' representative in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky and Tennessee, Montross is responsible for developing and executing regulatory and legislative proposals that may have a material effect on the company's business operations.
One-stop early voting for November municipal elections is Oct. 16 through Nov. 1; Tuesday, Nov. 5, is general election day. The North Carolina Board of Elections website provides tools and forms for voters, along with election and voter information. Mecklenburg County residents can learn more about qualifications to register to vote and candidates on their ballots.
The 49er Democracy Experience, which launched prior to the 2012 Democratic National Convention held in Charlotte, connects the campus community to voter registration information, election news and volunteer opportunities, while supporting UNC Charlotte’s goal to foster leadership and citizenship among students. Once again, Charlotte is on the national stage and the 2020 Republican National Convention provides students, faculty, staff and alumni with opportunities to interact with the democratic process. Additionally, higher education institutions are required by the federal Higher Education Act and the National Voter Registration Act to make a “good faith effort” to provide voter registration information to all enrolled students.