Charles majored in sociology at Charleston Southern University and excelled in football and track during his time there. He and his wife met in college, have four children, and spent 24 years in Connecticut before moving back to Seneca where he was born and raised. Charles is in his 12th year as a Corporal in Special Operations for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and in his 16th year of Law Enforcement and two-time “Officer of the Year” recipient. He began his career as a police officer at Clemson University and has also spent three years working in the elementary schools as a School Resource Officer – a position that was sorely lacking in Oconee County schools until Charles rallied the local PTAs and Oconee County Council to appoint more School Resource Officers throughout the county. While serving in the schools, he saw firsthand the high need for food assistance for local families and was inspired to found Community Tree — a non-profit that delivers hot meals to our local seniors, houses a food bank and community closet, and hosts community events. Currently serving over 1,000 individuals in the county, Charles is passionate about helping his community. As an OFC member, Charles hopes to gain more insight into the county food system. He aspires to identify “dry” areas that are not being serviced and ensure that he, through Community Tree, can reach and feed as many people as possible. Born and raised in Oconee County, Charles is passionate about helping his community members. In his spare time, he enjoys walking, lifting weights, and getting quality time with his family.