I grew up in Southern Illinois. I received a degree in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee - Martin. After graduation, I worked for GTE Directories Corporation and Bell-Helicopter Textron in their Information Technology Help Desks. In the late 80‘s I returned to the Southern Illinois area when I accepted a position at Health Services Corporation of America (now known as Vizient) in Cape Girardeau, MO.

In the mid-90s, I went to work for the State of Illinois on a project designed to bring high-speed Internet to K-12 schools, higher education institutions, public libraries and municipal governments throughout Illinois. Then, a few years later, I served as the Technology Director for Marion Unit #2 Schools, the largest school district in Southern Illinois. After nearly 10 years at Marion, I came to Southeast as the Help Desk Supervisor, now Manager.

I now live in the same neighborhood where I grew up, with my wife. We have one adult child, one grandchild, and a miniature Australian Shepherd. I am active in my church and a cigar club that I founded, which has over 50 members from Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Colorado.