Why I’m running. . .

During my adult life, I have been in service to our country and most recently as a council-member to the city I grew up in. It started with an appointment to the US Naval Academy and a 28-year career as a nuclear submarine officer. After 10 years on active duty, I switched to the reserves which allowed me to attend Harvard Business School. Instead of taking a high-paying investment banking or a management consulting job, I joined Medtronic – a healthcare equipment company. Expanding cardiac defibrillator use in Japan helped me move beyond the loss of a shipmate who died of sudden cardiac arrest on the highway. Working to “Restore Full Life” in the life science industry has been extremely rewarding while honoring the life of my friend, Boyd Pett.

While taking on greater marketing roles, I continued to serve in various reserve units as Commanding Officer and Chief of Staff. Leading is a heavy burden because unit success often rests on the readiness and well-being of its people. The same can be said for public entities as well as private companies. Leaders must be vigilant and solve problems with practical solutions. My life experiences have taught me to:

• listen to the customer;

• align with stakeholder concerns;

• be careful with scarce resources and

• foster a culture that inspires people to be their best so they can apply their unique talents to achieve a shared vision.

Our service academies develop graduates who not only lead men and women into battle but also produce leaders of good character who will become captains of industry and faithful public servants. For me US Senator John McCain - a Vietnam Prisoner of War and decorated Navy Pilot - embodied that ideal. Never did I imagine being called to public service but that is what happened in 2022. My wife and I were caregivers to my mom who had dementia. When she passed, a Ward 3 seat opened up and council decided to fill the vacancy by appointment. With newfound time and rekindled energy, I applied and was selected. This is how I have been honored to serve Northglenn as well as the citizenry in the greater Denver Metro Area.

During my 3 years on council, I have learned a great deal. Not one day is ever the same and collaborating with my colleagues has been a privilege and a wellspring of learning. There is much work left to do and I am seeking re-election for the opportunity to translate resident voices into a vision and make policy & budget decisions that leads to a resilient, vibrant & durable community that is a shining beacon on a hill. Continued council-member tenure will also enable continued service with the Denver Region Council of Governments (DRCOG) where I am currently the board executive secretary.

For these reasons, I humbly ask for your vote and support.