Brandon Cropper has won the Place 5 seat on the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District board of trustees.

Cropper, a political newcomer, came in with 5,085 votes or 60.06 percent of the total ballots cast unseating incumbent Rodney Balsamo who came in with 3,382 votes or 39.94 percent of the ballots cast.

“I would like to thank Rodney Balsamo for his service and dedication to the community,” Cropper said. “I’d also like to say thanks for the opportunity to serve the students and teachers of the community that I love dearly.”

Cropper said he is looking forward to serving the community of PN-GISD.

Cropper, 39, is a registered nurse and regional vice-president of operations for National Cardiovascular Partners. He has held multiple chairs on governing boards within NCP and service organizations.

Cropper, a 1995 graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School, is married to wife Emmy and they have two children.

He is a member of the Groves Knights of Columbus 3491 and past healthcare chairman, taken part in the Catholic organization A.C.T.S. that stands for Adoration, Community, Theology and Service and is a core member of St. Peter the Apostle.

Cropper is also a past board member for Groves National Little League, current board member of Port Neches Little League and league coordinator, member of the American College of Cardiology, member of OEIS and a PN-GISD facilities committee member.

Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews