Rodney M. Collins

The Election Hub Questionnaire

Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).

I am 58 years old and have lived in Mecklenburg County since I was a child. Currently, I call Charlotte home, residing in the University City area. My educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), both from Pfeiffer University. In addition, I am a distinguished graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (Class #138), which is recognized as one of the nation’s leading public safety management programs.

Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share your previous experience in elected office that would be relevant to voters.

My commitment to public service has been the driving force throughout my adult life. I believe deeply in the honor and responsibility that comes with serving others, and I continue to have the passion, determination, and capability to serve our community. My journey began with my service to our country as a military policeman in the United States Air Force and continued with a 30-year career at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

What truly distinguishes me from the other candidates for Sheriff is my extensive, direct experience within the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. I am the only candidate with three decades of service in this very agency. I started as an entry-level deputy sheriff and worked my way up through the ranks, ultimately retiring as Chief Deputy—the second highest position within the department. Over the course of my career, I have worked in every major division of the Sheriff’s Office, gaining invaluable insights and making significant contributions along the way.

My experience includes authoring policies, procedures, and operational plans that continue to shape the office today. I have overseen major projects and managed large-scale public safety events, drawing on my deep institutional knowledge of both the operational and business aspects of the Sheriff’s Office. These experiences have uniquely prepared me to lead the organization effectively from day one.

Tell us 1-2 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills.

One of my most significant professional accomplishments that highlights my leadership style is the creation and implementation of operational plans for several major events in Mecklenburg County. I was responsible for coordinating the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office’s response to high-profile occasions such as the Democratic National Convention in 2012, Reverend Billy Graham’s funeral in 2018, and a comprehensive live Active Shooter Exercise at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.

In all of these instances, I led teams through demanding, high-stakes situations that required accountability, professionalism, and mutual trust. My approach to leadership involved actively seeking input from personnel, ensuring that decisions reflected the strengths and perspectives of the entire team. I maintained top-down accountability while fostering an environment where performance, morale, discipline, and respect were in balance, creating a synergy that allowed my teams to excel even under pressure.

One of my proudest accomplishments is the creation and implementation of the Sheriff’s Office on-site counseling program. In collaboration with Mecklenburg County and ComPsych, I helped establish this initiative to provide vital mental health services directly at the workplace for Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office employees. Personnel in the Sheriff’s Office encounter numerous challenges, both on the job and in their personal lives. By ensuring that this much-needed resource was available, we fostered an environment where staff felt supported and valued. Ultimately, this initiative has contributed to enhanced service for the citizens of Mecklenburg County by promoting the well-being of those who serve them.

What endorsements from any notable North Carolina organizations or people have you received?

I am honored to have received endorsements from three esteemed former Sheriffs of Mecklenburg County: James “Jim” Pendergraph, Daniel “Chipp” Bailey, and Irwin Carmichael. Their support reflects their confidence in my leadership and dedication to the community. In addition to these distinguished individuals, I am also endorsed by former Chief Deputy Felicia McAdoo, who made history as the first African American female to serve as Chief Deputy in our department. These endorsements represent a broad base of respect and trust from those who have served at the highest levels within the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, and I am deeply grateful for their support.

How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office?

I have been a resident of Mecklenburg County since my childhood. With the exception of a six-year period during which I served in the United States Air Force, I have continuously called Mecklenburg County my home.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know.

One thing that may surprise voters is that I am a natural introvert. Rather than seeking attention or being the most outspoken person in the room, I choose to listen and observe. This approach allows me to learn from others and understand different perspectives. I am committed to quietly serving those around me, focusing on making a positive impact through my actions rather than seeking recognition. My dedication to service is rooted in a genuine desire to help others, and I prefer to work diligently behind the scenes, driven by a deep commitment to the responsibilities I have taken on.