Martha Schindler

I bring nearly two decades of experience across small businesses, creative startups, and large corporations — from building operations and systems on a shoestring budget to leading high-impact projects that improved accountability, customer experience, and growth at scale. That breadth gives me a clear view of how decisions ripple out to families, workers, and local businesses. Today, I work with Read Write Create, a Georgia-based creative education company that helps children, teens, and adults discover the power of storytelling. I design and lead hands-on literacy programs, from character creation workshops for kids to memoir and storytelling classes for older adults. I also help shape the company’s growth by building partnerships with schools, festivals, and senior communities. At its heart, my work is about making sure every voice can be heard. Locally, I founded Indivisible Woodstock to help neighbors cut through City Hall red tape and advocate effectively for themselves. As a lifelong musician, educator, and community leader — and as an autistic/ADHD Southerner — I bring persistence, creativity, and a commitment to fairness. That’s the approach I’ll bring as mayor: exposing what’s hidden, pressuring for change, and giving the people a microphone in their own government.

No more backroom deals. City Hall should work in daylight, with livestreams, clear information, and open doors. My job as mayor is to make sure you know what’s happening before it happens.

Michael Ryan Caldwell (born August 26, 1989) is an American entrepreneur and the current Mayor of Woodstock, Georgia. He co-founded Black Airplane, a digital product company based in Woodstock, where he serves as Partner for Operations and Business Development. Since October 2020, he has also served on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Technology Authority. Caldwell previously represented Georgia’s 20th District in the State House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021 as a Republican. Early Life and Education Caldwell grew up in Woodstock, Georgia, after living in several parts of the country. He graduated from Etowah High School in 2007 and earned a degree in Business Finance from Kennesaw State University in 2010. Family Caldwell married his high school sweetheart, Katie. They live in downtown Woodstock with their three children. Business Career Caldwell co-founded Black Airplane in 2017, an award-winning software development firm specializing in apps and websites. Prior to that, he was part of the founding team of Python Safety, Inc., a company focused on fall protection for tools, which was acquired by 3M in 2015. He authored what became the most widely adopted dropped-object prevention procedure in the world and spent years speaking internationally on the subject. Political Career Georgia House of Representatives (2013–2021) In 2011, Caldwell announced his candidacy for the Georgia House’s 20th District, running on a platform of accountability and transparency. He won the Republican primary in 2012 and defeated the Democratic nominee in the general election. He was re-elected in 2014 and 2016 without opposition and again in 2018, winning nearly 70% of the vote. Caldwell was known for refusing contributions from lobbyists and out-of-state donors. He published all campaign finances online through a “Finance Tracker” and explained his voting record via a “Legislative Tracker” on his website. During his time in the House, he served on multiple committees, including: Code Revision (Vice Chairman) Economic Development and Tourism Regulated Industries Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight State Planning & Community Affairs Interstate Cooperation Georgia State Senate Campaign (2020) In 2019, Caldwell announced a run for the State Senate in District 21. He was defeated in the June 2020 Republican primary by incumbent Brandon Beach. Mayor of Woodstock (2022–Present) In August 2021, Caldwell qualified unopposed to run for mayor of Woodstock. He assumed office as the city’s 31st mayor on January 1, 2022.