Where are you from? (Background, school, etc.)
I was born in LaPorte, Indiana, but my family moved to the north side of Indianapolis when I was three. I attended North Central High School, then spent four years in Bloomington, Indiana attending Indiana University before returning to the Indy area.
How long have you been on the Avon Town Council?
This year is the beginning of my sixth year on the Town Council. I was first elected in 2012 and was re-elected for a second term in 2015. My involvement with the Town actually began in 2007 when I was appointed to the Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
What led you to run for this position as President?
I served as the Council President for three years (beginning in 2014 through the end of 2016). The Council President is selected at the beginning of every year by the five Council Members. It is not necessarily something you “run for” in the traditional sense, rather a role you are chosen for.
With a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs and a professional background working with various local governments, running for council was a natural fit for me. I had strong interest in community development and was very concerned about the direction that Avon was headed at the time. Someone had to step up. Why not me?
What does a typical day look like for you?
As my “day job” I work for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. My role there is to provide technical advice to the judges and commissioners in adjudicated cases involving water and wastewater utilities. Most often, these cases involve requests for rate increases, territorial issues or investigations. I can be found at my desk, pouring over written testimony or in a courtroom listening to cross-examination of witnesses.
Conducting town business requires me to occasionally take off of work and dedicate many of my evening and weekend hours. There is so much more going on than just attending a council meeting every two weeks. All council members serve as liaisons to certain functions of town and local governments which require regular communication and meetings. The State legislative session and town budget process can be very demanding of time. There are always constituents and individuals wanting to meet to discuss specific projects and concerns. There is nothing “typical” about any of my days.
Tell us about an accomplishment you are most proud of in your career.
Having been in the field of water resources for 25 years has been a wonderful experience. It has been very rewarding to be on the front lines of public health, safety and economic viability of communities.
Have any advice for your younger self?
Surround yourself with the best people. You may not have all the answers but those around you will or know someone that will.
What is your main goal for the future?
I want to continue to watch my kids grow and thrive, travel with my wife and to work to make my community a better place to live
Are you involved in any community organizations?
I am blessed to be involved with the two best leadership development organizations in Hendricks County. Since 2007, I have been involved with Leadership Hendricks County and, since 2010, I have been the Troop Committee Chairman for Boy Scout Troop 392 in Avon.
Do you live in Avon? How long have you been here?
My wife and I moved to Avon in 1994. We have been here 22 years, slightly longer than Avon has been a town.
Tell us about your family, ages, etc.
I am married to my best friend Jennifer, and we have three children. Katie is 21 and is a junior at Ball State where she is in nursing school. Kevin, 17, is attending Avon High School. Kelly is 13 and attends Avon Middle School North.
What do you do outside of work?
Aside from my involvement in the town, I love to be outdoors. My passions are hiking, backpacking and camping. Keep me away from the campgrounds and state parks, though. My style is more minimalist — camping along the side of a trail, sleeping in a hammock or an ultralight tent. On a slow weekend, you can find me walking my dog on a trail somewhere in Hendricks County.
What is you and your family’s favorite part of Avon?
Avon is the best of all worlds and is the perfect place to raise a family. We have great access to high-quality housing, great schools and places to dine and shop. I am only a short 30 minutes away from my job downtown and have even better access to a plethora of outdoor activities. The people here are second to none.
What was your last vacation?
We went to Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Why should someone visit Avon?
It is the perfect place to work, play or raise a family. Avon is the bomb!
