We’re proud to announce that three outstanding citizens—Michael De Iulio, Dan Farris, and John Gemignani—have stepped up to run for Waxhaw Town Commissioner as part of The Waxhaw Wall team in 2025.
When The Waxhaw Wall first ran in 2023, it was for two commissioner seats and the mayor’s seat. While the mayor plays a vital leadership role, he only votes in the rare event of a tie—when a commissioner is absent and the remaining board splits 2–2. That has left the two Waxhaw Wall commissioners as a consistent voting minority. This year presents a pivotal opportunity: three commissioner seats are up for election, and with them, the chance for Waxhaw residents to take back the reins of their town and fully implement stable, resident-focused leadership.
Michael De Iulio (pronounced “Dee-You-Leo”)
With over 30 years of leadership in flight and trucking logistics, Mike has built a nationally recognized career managing large teams and multi-million-dollar budgets. He’s known for driving People-Service-Profit initiatives and has earned multiple awards for excellence, including the prestigious 5 Star Award. Whether in business or on the field, Mike leads with strategy, accountability, and purpose.
A lifelong football enthusiast and former head coach, Mike credits the sport with teaching him the power of perseverance and teamwork—qualities he brings to his leadership style every day.
Mike attended Santa Ana College in California, where he studied communications and mass media. It was then that he started developing an interest and appetite for working with local government and economic development committees.
For the past four years, Mike has closely followed Waxhaw’s growth, challenges, and council decisions. As a candidate for Town Commissioner, he’s committed to applying his business acumen and servant-leadership values to ensure Waxhaw grows responsibly—while preserving the unique character that drew his family here in 2017.
Mike believes in transparency, humility, and solutions that put residents first. He understands that public service means working for the people—not the other way around. He’s ready to make the tough decisions, listen to his neighbors, and serve the community his family proudly calls home.
Vote Michael De Iulio – Leadership Built on Integrity.
Dan Farris
Daniel Farris is a Waxhaw resident, small business leader, and dedicated public servant with a deep commitment to preserving the character and quality of life that make Waxhaw special. Since moving here with his wife Stacey and their two children in 2019, Dan has become an active voice in the community—most notably serving as Chair of the Waxhaw Planning Board, where he’s helped shape smart, responsible development policies.
Dan’s story is one of hard work and steady leadership. He began his career as a warehouse and forklift operator while attending community college in California. Through determination and grit, he worked his way up over two decades in the logistics industry. Today, he serves as Vice President of Logistics at Expressway Transportation in Charlotte, managing complex operations and supply chains across the region.
Educated at Fullerton College and Rutgers University, Dan is known for his honesty, problem-solving skills, and no-nonsense leadership style. He takes a thoughtful, conservative approach to growth—believing Waxhaw can move forward without losing what makes it feel like home.
As a candidate for Town Commissioner, Dan Farris is ready to continue serving with integrity, focus, and a commitment to putting residents first.
Vote Dan Farris – Lead with Logic. Plan with Purpose.
(Click here to donate to Dan)
John Gemignani (pronounced “gem-in-yanni”)
John Gemignani is a loyal Waxhaw resident who will pair his dedication and passion with his knowledge and experience to move the town forward in the right direction. Since moving to Waxhaw in 2011, John has built strong relationships as a neighbor, volunteer, coach, small business owner, church member, and civic leader. He enjoys meeting new people, supporting local Waxhaw businesses, and engaging in conversations about anything from sports and home improvement to zoning and preservation.
As a two-term Waxhaw Planning Board member, John has played a key role in reviewing development proposals, ensuring responsible growth, and preserving Waxhaw’s small-town charm. His work on the board has deepened his understanding of zoning, infrastructure, and community priorities, making him uniquely qualified to guide Waxhaw’s future as a Town Commissioner. A graduate of Michigan State University and Walsh University (MBA), John combines analytical rigor with a people-first approach. As a Sales Director, John has over 26 years of sales and marketing experience within the home improvement industry (retail and manufacturing). Throughout his career and time as a small business owner, John has maintained his focus on building strong relationships, strategic planning and budget management, and cross-functional collaboration. John understands the needs of local entrepreneurs and the importance of fostering a vibrant local economy.
John and his wife Sally are active in their church and community, and their daughters attended UCPS elementary, middle, and high schools. He is always willing to lend a hand to a neighbor, friend, or family in need, whether with tools, repairs, or a listening ear, John is an energetic problem-solver with a big heart for his community. He is committed to keeping Waxhaw a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
John Gemignani has a proven record of leadership, community service, and strategic vision. As a candidate for Town Commissioner, he brings extensive experience from his successful career in sales and marketing, small business ownership, and over three years of service on the Waxhaw Planning Board, where he has thoughtfully advised the Board of Commissioners, with a focus on commercial zoning for small business, residents’ quality of life, and community needs.
Vote John Gemignani for Town Commissioner—a leader who listens, plans, and delivers for Waxhaw’s future. (Click here to donate to John)
QR to John’s donation page:
