A Republican, Goddard retired from the U.S. Marine Corps as a colonel in 2012 after 34 years of military service in the Navy and Marine Corps. While enlisted in the Navy, Goddard received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon graduation, Goddard accepted his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. During his military career, Goddard commanded at every level with his highlight being a battalion commander in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was awarded a Bronze Star. While in the military, Goddard earned a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science, a master’s degree in Business Administration from Boston University, and a master’s degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Following military retirement, Goddard worked for Ingersoll Rand, where he served as the vice president of Supply Chain for Trane Latin America. He retired from Ingersoll Rand in 2020. During his retirement, Goddard has remained involved in community service. He serves on several non- profit boards with a primary focus on children and taking care of our county’s most vulnerable residents. He is a Guardian Ad Litem for Iredell County and sits on the Child Advocacy Board for Iredell and Alexander counties. He is a Lifetime Member of the Marine Corps League and a Lifetime Member Disabled American Veteran. In addition to service to the community, Goddard actively manages his 165-acre timber farm. “I have been blessed to get into farming.” Goddard said. “I grew up on family dairy farms and always wanted to have a farm of my own. With the help of a great forester, I’ve learned what it takes to do it correctly. This farm is my pride and joy, and I hope to hand it down to my grandchildren.” Motivated by a desire to give more back even more, Goddard decided to run for county commissioner in order to use his leadership experience, business background, and formal education to help keep Iredell County as one of the best places to live in the country. His priority is strategic and controlled growth with a focus on education, infrastructure, and public safety. “I look forward to serving all the citizens of Iredell County,” Goddard said. Goddard lives in Mooresville with his wife Kelly. He has three grown children and eight grandchildren. His two oldest grandchildren attend Lake Norman High School and South Iredell High School.