Career
I'm a full-time web developer at the University of Northern Iowa, as well as a successful start-up entrepreneur and former military officer. My wife, Jocelyn (a Waterloo native), and I chose to settle down in Cedar Falls after my decade of service as a U.S. Coast Guard commissioned officer.
Civics
I believe all citizens have a civic duty to apply their special knowledge, talent and skills to their community. Since 2004, I've been an enthusiastic volunteer and leader with:
- Overman Park Neighborhood Association
- The Cedar Falls Historical Society
- Cedar Trails Partnership
- AMVETS Post #49
- The City Board of Rental Housing Appeals (currently chairing)
- Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee
- Code for the Cedar Valley
- Rotary Club of Cedar Falls, and Rotary Club of the Cedar Valley
- Junior Achievement
- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (National Staff)
...and I also happily support many other community organizations with my web, cartography, strategic planning, and graphic design skills. Notably, this past April, I was fortunate to be recognized as a recipient of the 2017 Mayors’ Volunteer Service Award for my initiative and leadership in organizing and coordinating the volunteer response for the October 2016 flood.
Education
As a 1998 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (New London, Connecticut),I received a rigorous education in public policy, environmental science, criminal justice, constitutional law, civil engineering, leadership, and management...this background has prepared me well for the challenges of municipal governance.
I have master of arts in Instructional Technology from the University of Northern Iowa (2016) and am working on a second masters in Library and Information Science through the University of Wisconsin - Madison. I've also completed coursework toward a masters in National Security Strategy from the U.S. Naval War College.
Personal
Having lived in seven cities previously, I can't imagine a better place to raise a family than Cedar Falls. And we do our best to take advantage of all the activities! When I have downtime, I enjoy piling on the couch with my wife and kids (and homemade popcorn) for Family Movie Nights, playing board games with my kids and friends from church, reading all kinds of history, and figuring out what the future could (and should) look like.