My family has lived in Shawnee Mission since 1990. Heather and I have been married for 30 years. Heather is an artist and is continuing her education with coursework at KU. We have four children, all graduates of Shawnee Mission schools. Ben, 26, is completing his Master’s Degree in Trombone Performance at KU. Ethan 24 is married to Kelli 23 and they have two children Abe 3 and Ivy 1. Ethan is a Marine Corporal and recently returned safely from a tour of duty in Iraq. Gabrielle 20 is an academic senior on scholarship at the University of Missouri majoring in English and History. Caleb 19 is attending the University of Missouri on an academic scholarship and is thinking of music options for his degree.

A little about my background, I was born in St. Louis, MO, and have lived in the Shawnee Mission area for 18 years. I work as a technology and management consultant having worked with Health Care, Consumer Products, Transportation and Telecommunications clients.

I grew up as one of four children in my family and attended public schools. My mom and dad placed a strong emphasis on education with a combined five degrees. Dad worked for Monsanto, Mom taught biology at McCluer and McCluer North high schools.

I began in North St. Louis County before moving to the Near West County in 1964. As a child I was active in the YMCA Indian Guides, YMCA swimming programs, Boy Scouts, Khoury League baseball and helped my mom, brother and sisters teach swimming working with the St. Louis Arc an organization supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families.

We moved to Olivette in 1964. I graduated from Horton Watkins Ladue High School in 1972. I played freshman football, water polo, was on the swimming team, ran track and was a co-captain of the cross country team. In addition I was an officer for the Letterman’s Club, involved in the Political Action Committee, the Independent Float Party, an acolyte and a leader in the youth group at the Church of the Holy Communion and active in Junior Achievement attending Regional and National Conferences representing the Missouri Valley Junior Achievement group. I was a National Merit Finalist my senior year.

After high school, I went to Michigan State University for two years before transferring to the University of Missouri. I received my B.A. in Economics in 1976, worked as a manager at a Columbia steak and seafood restaurant for three years before returning to school to get my MBA in Accounting and Finance in December 1981. I met Heather while working at the restaurant and we married in 1978. Heather has a Master’s in Music – Piano Performance.

After graduation we moved to Gladstone, MO and started a family. We were blessed with three sons and a daughter. When our youngest was born we decided we should move somewhere where the schools were excellent. That’s why we moved to the Shawnee Mission district in 1990.

I began working at what is now called Accenture as a technology consultant, moving on to process leadership, organizational design and development with increasing responsibilities and leadership roles within the organization. I spent 21 years at Accenture before choosing to work with three other consulting organizations most recently – Capgemini Americas.

I recognized the importance of giving back to others in the organization. I was selected as the KC mentor of the year, led the local office Technology group, led campus recruiting for my alma mater and was selected to lead the local Diversity Council and represent KC at the North American level.

Outside of work, I have been involved in numerous civic and education organizations including the University of Missouri Finance Advisory Board which provides guidance to faculty on the curriculum to ensure relevant education in the business world, was a candidate for the 2004 State Senate seat in the 10th District, a finalist for the Shawnee Mission School Board in 2003, a Heart of America United Way, Leadership Giver many years, Co-founder and co-sponsor of NoteAble Achievement Scholarship for Outstanding Senior Band Student at Shawnee Mission West, Marathoner and Fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a 5-time Team in Training member, a board member for Kansas Families for Education, a member of the Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus, the Mainstream Coalition and the Tiger Scholarship Foundation. I have been involved in numerous local school organizations among them, Band-Aides West, Spotlighters, PTSA, and SMW Booster Club.