I was born in Wadena, MN and moved to St. Cloud with my family in 1976. I have resided in St. Cloud and St. Joseph ever since.

I graduated from St. Cloud Apollo in 1984. I graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1989 with a major in Political Science and a minor in Local & Urban Affairs.

My wife Amy and I are empty nesters, having seen her three and my two children all graduate from Apollo. I’m employed as an Account Manager for Ascent Specialized (a trucking broker) and am a licensed Realtor with Central MN Realty.

My interest in public education started with my parents, particularly my dad. He was a founder of the Wadena Area Technical Institute (now MN State Community and Technical College Wadena) and retired as the president of the St. Cloud Technical College (now St Cloud Technical and Community College). There were many times that I would travel to St. Paul with him, where he would meet with state representatives and senators. I believe that this experience not only taught me the importance of public education but also showed me the necessity for conversation. Whether or not you agree with the other person, a respectful conversation helps everyone’s thought process.