Growing up in a big family, I learned that family and community come with both joy and responsibility. My father was a middle school art teacher, small business owner, and painter, and my mom raised me and my five siblings while keeping our household running on one income. Together, we created a rowdy, supportive home filled with music, art, sports, and books. 

When my grandmother was no longer able to live on her own, she moved in with us. Our multigenerational home showed me what it meant to truly love and care for family. And when my sister’s health deteriorated and she was in need of a kidney transplant, I had the honor of stepping up to donate a kidney to her. These experiences (and so many more) reminded me of the strength of familial bonds, the precariousness of life, and to keep my focus on what is truly important – people.

My upbringing taught me the value of hard work, sacrifice, creativity, and how much families and neighbors can accomplish when they show up for one another. It also gave me a lasting appreciation for teachers, small business owners, healthcare professionals, and community volunteers. These are the people who quietly, but profoundly, make our communities thrive.

I earned my degree in philosophy from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where I became interested in public service, ethics, and history. After college, I worked at the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs in public and nonprofit leadership and policy programs.

Later, I joined the University of Wisconsin team to implement workforce solutions in nursing, health sciences, information technology, and business. I helped grow the flexible option degree program and expand streamlined learning programs to grow the workforce in every state and territory, by lifting barriers for working people through nontraditional pathways.. That work showed me how innovation in education can open doors for working adults and strengthen families and communities.

Over a decade ago, my wife Dana and I moved to Falls City, where we’ve built our life with our son Harvey, our two rescue dogs, and our cat. We were drawn to Polk County’s natural beauty, close knit communities, and small town values that remind me of my upbringing.

I served as Mayor of Falls City, where I worked to strengthen infrastructure, improve communication between residents and City Hall, and plan for future economic opportunities while keeping the town’s character intact. With other community members, I helped found a local nonprofit to build on the community’s vision of a beautiful downtown, volunteer opportunities, attainable housing solutions, and access to services. Those years taught me what it takes to make local government work through collaboration, transparency, advocacy for one’s community, and a willingness to listen.

Since being elected as your Polk County Commissioner, I’ve centered my work on keeping costs low for residents while strengthening the communities that make Polk County unique. That commitment drives my efforts on rural broadband expansion, public safety, support for working families, mental health services, housing and homelessness prevention, and long-term infrastructure planning — always with a focus on fiscal responsibility and results.

I’ve met with hundreds of constituents from every corner of the county and that direct access to local government is one of the great strengths of a mid-sized county. Whether it’s helping someone navigate housing or mental health services, connecting a small business with a partner agency, or simply listening to concerns over coffee, those personal connections matter. Access, transparency, and trust are the foundation of how I approach public service.

I’m honored to represent Polk County at the local, regional, state, and national levels, serving as:

• Second Vice-President of the Association of Oregon Counties – nominated and elected by fellow county commissioners, chairs, and judges across Oregon, 

• Member of the National Association of Counties Human Services and Education Steering Committee, 

• Co-Chair of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Public Safety and Veterans Steering Committee (2022-2025),  

• Vice Chair of the Oregon Broadband Advisory Council, and

• Chair of the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that when people listen to each other and work together, even the toughest challenges can be addressed.

County government is complex with changes occurring at every level. My demonstrated experience in public service, community relationships, and ability to work across agencies have given me the perspective and tools needed to help Polk County move forward confidently.

I love serving in this position alongside the people of Polk County and the incredible employees in Polk County government. In a divided national political climate, my leadership has focused on bringing value, presence, and experience in a nonpartisan way, to what matters most to people. Whether through passing four balanced budgets, securing funding for vital infrastructure, navigating challenging issues and finding common ground, leading statewide discussions on public safety and mental health policy, or actively supporting local nonprofits and civic organizations, nonpartisan leadership is about building a broad platform for collaboration and progress.

Counties are tasked with maintaining a stably funded and integrated public safety system, public and community mental health services, community development and planning, public works, veterans services, and family and community services. Doing the job well requires a thorough understanding of these systems and their funding and statutory contexts. I’m committed to continuing the hard work. As Oregon’s third fastest-growing county, Polk County needs a measured strategy to ensure that service levels can adapt to the increasing size of our communities, especially in light of funding reductions at the state and federal levels. 

I’m not someone driven by ambition, but instead by centering the concerns and needs of what I hear most often from Polk County constituents. Representative government is essential to stewarding services we all access and rely on.

Progress happens when the government helps clear the way for opportunity and connection.

I believe in practical, people centered leadership that respects taxpayers, considers compassion and evidence in decision-making, and plans ahead for the next generation. Polk County is full of good people doing hard work, and it has been the honor of my life to serve alongside them and help our communities thrive.

What keeps me motivated is seeing what people can accomplish when they’re given a fair chance and a voice in the process. And what I offer is experience, knowledge of county government and systems, relationships, and an openness to listen. When a local business owner invests in downtown, a young family finds stable housing, a student begins a new career, or a farmer, forester, or vineyard owner grows the foundation of our local economy, we are a stronger, more livable county.