Charles “Chad” Chadwell, a self-employed business consultant, announced Jan. 4 he filed to run for the Democratic nomination for Williamson County Commissioner Precinct 1.

Chadwell has served on the Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees for more than seven years, and he currently serves on the board of the Williamson County Appraisal District. In a press release he explained how his experience in public office so far would benefit him for the county position.

“Serving as a trustee on the Round Rock ISD board has given me great insight into the fundamentals of effective government practices,” he said in the release. “Also, by serving on the county’s property appraisal board, I have seen the effects of fast growth in our community. WCAD is one of the most highly respected appraisal districts in Texas for accurately and efficiently assessing property values.”

Chadwell graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and he earned a Master’s degree in Technology Commercialization from The University of Texas at Austin.

He is self-employed as a business development consultant in the field of design automation for semiconductors and electronic systems, according to his press release. Prior to his current position he worked for two defense contractors in aerospace manufacturing and design.

“Central Texas is well known around the globe by high-tech companies as an ideal site to grow their operations,” he said in the release. “If elected, I will use my business experience and apply the same methodical approach as a County Commissioner.”

Lisa Birkman, who has served as the Precinct 1 commissioner since 2004, announced in April that she would not seek a fourth term.

The primary election is March 1.

Chadwell joins the race for the Democratic nomination for the Precinct 1 seat with one other candidate, Terry Cook, a small-business owner in Round Rock. Three others are vying for the Republican nomination—Landy Warren, a Round Rock banker and businessman; Donna Parker, a certified financial planner in Round Rock; and Paul Matthews, a finance manager and certified public accountant from Austin.