I have worked in camping for over the past twenty three years, beginning as a Camp Counselor at the West End YMCA and Lake Metroparks in Northeast Ohio, as a Camp Director for the City of Columbus, Recreation and Parks Department and at Kent State University, and now as NC 4-H Camping Specialist at NC State University.
It was during my employment at the West End YMCA during my first two years while attending Lakeland Community College that I realized I could make a career doing what I love and making a difference for youth, families, and my community. So, I chose a career path in camp and recreation and to major in recreation management as an undergraduate student at Kent State University. I then went on to obtain a Master's degree in Recreation Studies at Ohio University.
My greatest adventure and reward in life is being a father to our four children and especially sharing my love for camp and the outdoors with our children. For me, it doesn't get any better than being a father.
In my free time, I am active in our local community, having volunteered as a parent coach for two age groups of youth soccer, as a kayak instructor for our local parks and recreation department, as a Build-A-Block Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and now as founder and chair of our county's friends of parks group.
My hobbies include camping, cycling, golfing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, running, swimming, and triathlons, as well as anything outdoors.