Cameron attended Lynchburg City Schools.

I went to Bedford Hills Elementary School, Linkhorne Middle School, and graduated from E.C. Glass High School (‘06 - go Hilltoppers!).

Cameron’s advanced education earned her B.S. & M.S. degrees.

After ECG, I explored options in higher education before pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Lynchburg (it will always be LC to me). At LC I was editor of the school paper, captain of the debate team, and president of the philosophy club. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Philosophy in 2011. I then attended the University of Maryland, where I earned a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics in 2021.

Cameron has turned learning disabilities into opportunities.

In third grade, I did not know how to read. Despite not having an IEP or 504 plan, I had some really incredible teachers in LCS that helped me learn the skills I needed to succeed. I had amazing professors in college as well that helped me grow in my academics and character. Most importantly, I had parents who always believed in me.

I have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and anxiety. These challenges helped me develop into the person I am today. Thanks to the help of those in my corner, I have turned my neurodivergence into my superpowers. Now, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Cameron is the president of the Board of Directors for the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC), our local bus system.

I was appointed by City Council for this volunteer position (2019 - current). I have championed several now-implemented initiatives, such as board member expectations to ride the bus yearly, fare-free in extreme weather, and one day fare-free in September to assist in access to early voting / registration, and ID obtainment, etc. During my time on the board, the GLTC has added Sunday service, implemented fare capping through mobile fare collection, and increased financial accountability and sustainability.

Volunteered for numerous events/organizations

I have volunteered for the Lynchburg TurkeyTrot, Beacon of Hope, the Special Olympics, the Daily Bread, the City’s winter warming shelter, various neighborhood/community/nonprofit clean up days, vacation bible school, and several other initiatives over the years. Volunteering at the warming shelter this past year really impacted me. See more details of that experience under FAQ.

Cameron has experience in mental health:

I have done case management both through the CSB and private non-profits. My focus was on children in crisis, those with adhd/mood disorders, substance use, and autism; and young adults in foster care (independent living); as well as adult women and children facing homelessness.

Cameron has worked in the private sector:

In addition to the work mentioned in non-profit, I also have experience in early childhood education (Montessori), legal (paralegal), and startup/small business.

Cameron currently works in the public sector:

Currently, I work in zoning/community development. I am learning a lot behind the scenes and building great working relationships in City Hall that I would carry with me into the role of council member.

After November’s win, I would resign from my position as a City employee, and begin to search for a new job in the private and non-profit sectors, as City Council is considered a part-time job with a pay of $800/monthly - and I need more than that to contribute to my family. Being on council is a civic duty that doesn’t (and shouldn’t) pay the bills. I am doing this to serve you and our community.

Cameron grew up in Ward 1 and chose to live here as an adult.

I was raised by two hard-working and supportive parents, Laura & John “Crash” Craddock. My upbringing was full of love with my sister Carter, two sets of grandparents, three aunts, three uncles, many cousins, and some great friends. My family, my framily, and several of my childhood friends are the best part about my life. I have a lot of fond memories about growing up in Lynchburg - from playing outside in the neighborhood with other kids until the street lights came on, to being on swim team, and taking many walks on the bike path (my favorite walks were with my grandfather and having stick races in the creek).

Sam and Cameron have been married and living in the Bedford Hills neighborhood for over 12 years. They have two wonderful daughters: Alden (9) & Sawyer (8).

Sam and I met at Rivermont Pizza in October 2011 through mutual friends - even though we both went to LC. We immediately were drawn to each other and knew rather quickly into our courtship that we wanted to share our lives together. Sam works for Moore & Giles and really enjoys his work. Sam is on the Small Business Development Center Board of Directors and currently sits on the Session at First Presbyterian Church.

Alden and Sawyer are young girls who deserve the opportunity to just be kids, so please respect their privacy.

Cameron is a member of First Presbyterian Church and has been since childhood.

I was a former member of the Session (governing body) and chair of the communications committee during rebranding.

Cameron’s local ties to this area go back many generations.

My paternal great-great-grandfather, John Wimbish Craddock, was the founder of Craddock-Terry Shoe Company. From going through Craddock-Terry documents and personal belongings of JWC, I have learned that he was an advocate for underserved and vulnerable children, advocate for women, and heavily involved in community development. He believed in helping Lynchburg by getting the right people around the table, asking the right questions, and using collaboration to build relationships that better society. His methods help guide me to this day.

What is something that you wished more people knew about Lynchburg?

The City of Lynchburg has an amazing Citizens’ Academy. Sam & I are 2013 graduates of the program, and I took the Citizen’s Police Academy a couple of years after that. It is really eye opening to learn about the different parts of our local government in a well designed program. I highly recommend that anyone that has a desire to learn and has a love of this city, take the time to participate in the Citizens’ Academy.

What else would you want to focus on when on council?

I believe small changes can make a big difference. When I volunteered at the warming shelter December 2023, there no lists, handouts, or information about services in the community. Department of Social Services had employees work the shelter but did not offer intakes or linking to services. There weren’t even handouts about services offered by community partners, like the Clothing Connection at Parkview or homeless response programs through Miriam’s House, or even just putting up a sign on the exit door about the buses running for free for the day. At a minimum, we should be providing information about where those needing emergency shelter can get additional resources, should they want to. Small and proactive changes can lead to big and positive results. Some examples of small changes leading to positive big impacts can be found under the public service tab (GLTC).

What is your “Why”?

I love Lynchburg. Its evolution over my lifetime is inspiring. Not because it is perfect (it is far from that, and I wouldn’t be running for Council if it was), but I find Lynchburg inspiring because people here care. On a local level, it’s not politics, it’s people. This city is filled with so many loving people who try to make this corner of the world better. There are some people that choose to make bad choices, but overall the vast majority of people try to do the right thing and their hearts are in the right place.

My mama always said for me to leave things better than I found them. This is my home. I am from here and this is where I am raising my family. When my time on this planet ends, I want to be at peace knowing I gave all that I could to make Lynchburg a better place for you, my children, your children, and those that will follow. I want to better myself and our community. I hope you will grow with me!

Together we can.