Ron, more commonly known as Bink, grew up in Mount Caramel (Eastgate). He graduated from Glen Este High School and went on to complete his bachelor’s degree from Appalachian Bible College in Beckley, West Virginia1. In 2010 he married the love of his life, Allison Garbutt (then Shafer) and moved to the Village of Georgetown. Allison’s family, the Shafer’s and the Hardyman’s, made sure that this city boy was well acquainted with country living and the allure of small-town life. Bink always found the Village to be rich in history, but it wasn’t until he joined the pastoral staff as a youth minister at Georgetown Baptist Church in 2011 that he fell in love with Village of Georgetown. 

After a few years of doing a pastoral internship at his home Church, he became the lead pastor of GBC in 2016. Between his time spent in youth ministry and this current position he was afforded a unique opportunity to get to know the youth of the Village as well as many community leaders. Being in ministry gave him a chance to meet the wonderful people of Georgetown all from a diverse and varied background. In the last several years Bink has also served as the Board President of the non-profit Lighthouse Thriftique. This outreach has further broadened the scope of meeting individuals in the community.

Being able to see and hear the perspectives of many, from disadvantaged youth to hardworking farmers and businesspeople to upstanding community leaders, Bink has a more whole and well-rounded view of the village than most. It is charming and historical, but it is also home to some of the hardest working individuals there are. All of whom deserve a safe place to live and raise a family. A place with a strong sense of community, access to adequate housing and healthcare, and a blossoming and sustainable local economy.

Bink has always been drawn to service. Whether that be serving in his local Church, serving on the board of a non-profit, or helping a friend with whatever they need. Bink desires to serve the community around him. For this reason, he has decided to run for a Village Council seat in the Village he loves and calls home.