I have lived my entire life in Granite City IL. My wife Katyann and I along with our three rescue animals: Scout, Thomas, and Bobby live in Granite City. From an early age I’ve had a passion for helping others. During college, I went down to New Orleans during spring break to help build houses for victims of Hurricane Katrina. After I graduated from southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with baccalaureate degrees in Political Science and History, I volunteered for several nonprofit organizations, including: The Good Samaritan House, Rebuilding Together, serving on the board for both, and Metro East Rotary Club where I served as president from 2020 through 2021.

I’m currently an elected trustee for Southwestern Illinois Community College. I was first elected in April 2019 and reelected in 2023. I was elected Chairman of the Board in October of 2021, and again in April of 2023. As a Trustee, I have made sure not to support any raising of tuition costs, and as a direct result of this our tuition remains the lowest in the state. I have also worked hand in hand with our faculty to ensure they are paid a prevailing wage and are given the academic freedom that they need and deserve to teach our students and to foster success.

During my childhood, I had to face several obstacles. The biggest one being diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome in 2003. This is a neurological disorder that causes people to make noises or gestures they can't control. My case was mild and today, I hardly have any signs of it. However, growing up with Tourette's made me into a stronger person and helped me relate more with people who were or are struggling with disabilities of their own. Also, during this time my grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. She and I grew closer as we both battled our disabilities. My grandmother was a high school guidance counselor who raised three kids on her own. She loved history and politics, and her fervor for these topics led to me loving them as much as she did. She is the reason that I have a passion for public service and helping others. She passed away in 2012 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s, and it was difficult for my entire family. We had lost our Matriarch; I had lost my best friend. I still carry the beliefs and passion for public service that she instilled in me to this day, and hope to use that passion on the State House floor to serve District 111.