Where are you from/where were you born?
I was born in 1961 in Mid Eastern South Dakota. Raised on a farm where we grew corn, oats, and alfalfa hay. We also raised beef, pork, and chickens, and milked cows.

Describe your family:
Married to Karen for over 30 years. Karen retired from the travel industry after 30 years and is now an administrative assistant at Holy Family Parish in New Albany. Son Chris is married to Liz. They live in East Louisville, where Chris is a Relationship Banker for Chase. Daughter Amanda is married to Elliot Mattingly. They live in Bardstown. Amanda is a Dr. of Physical Therapy for Kentucky One Health in Louisville.

Education:
I have received a Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.

Work Experience:
I worked for 33 years in various roles for Engelhard Corporation and BASF Corporation near Macon Georgia and Louisville KY.

Interests/Hobbies:
Karen and I love to travel and hike wherever we can.
I also love being involved in various social justice service organizations like Saint Vincent DePaul in our home parish.

Favorite sport/team:
The Dallas Cowboys, which lately has been an exercise in character-building.

Favorite Trip:
In 2015 Karen and I took our kids plus spouses and our moms to Hawaii for a week. Karen and I were there for an additional week and a half before the rest of the family came.

What you like to do on a snow day:
Sleep, drink hot chocolate, and read.

Favorite childhood memory:
Looking back now I recognize that my favorite childhood memory was working on the farm with Mom and Dad, even though I hated it at the time. I now realize the incredible life lessons I received from some very wise and big-hearted people.

Positive influence:
Most positive influences on my life have been my wife Karen, my parents, several of my priest friends from southern Indiana, and our Holy Family Men’s book club.

Favorite thing about teaching:
The youth inspire me every day to be the best version of myself possible.

Favorite Quote:
“Every day, choose to write yourself as the hero in your own life story.” From a series of conversations with my son Chris.