Community Impact Newspaper sent Sullins a list of questions about his candidacy. This article is part of ongoing May 4 election coverage and does not constitute an endorsement of the candidate. His responses below have been edited for publication style.
Why did you decide to run for this position?
My goal as a board trustee is to serve our community. After 15 years of supporting Grapevine and Colleyville, I understand the vision, structure, accountability, advocacy and unity needed to provide local education programs and services that will promote excellence in student academic achievement.
What experience—professionally or politically—do you have that would prepare you for this position?
I was elected to the board in May 2016. In July 2018, I was elected vice president of the [Grapevine-Colleyville ISD] board of trustees and earned the designation of master trustee upon completion of the Leadership [Texas Association of School Board] program. I am a native Texan and a committed citizen. My community involvement includes serving as the 2010 chairman of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, 2011 president of the Grapevine AMBUCS [formerly the American Business Clubs] and a director for four years with the GCISD Education Foundation. I am also a member of the Colleyville and Grapevine chambers of commerce.
I was on the LEAD 2021 strategic planning committee and the [Stakeholders’ Economic Action Team] committee. I also served as co-chair of the GCISD Facility Innovation & Readiness Stakeholder Team—a group of community members and district staff members who also reviewed district facilities and prepared a bond package proposal for the board of trustees.
I graduated from Texas A&M [University] and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. I continue to support the university by participating in the Texas A&M Developmental Council for the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences. Upon graduation, I began my financial services career in 1998, trading commodities, and soon moved into wealth advisory management when I joined Merrill Lynch in 2005.
What do you think is one of the biggest issues facing Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, and how do you plan to address it on the board of trustees?
Our school district is diverse on many fronts. I strive to make sure everyone’s voice is heard. This includes our students. It is important that we put the kids first. I value [the] student voice. I believe in listening to others, collaborating and working together. In GCISD, we advocate for every child. Our goal is for every student to reach his or her potential. I work hard to support systems that allow our students to excel in their personalized learning plan.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
When not in the office, I am an adventures competitor, enjoying triathlons, trail running and biking throughout the year. I lived in Grapevine for six years and then moved to Colleyville in 2007. I have been married to my wife, Julie, for 19 years, and we have two daughters that are in GCISD. We are active members of Compass Christian Church.
More information about Sullins and his campaign can be found here.
