I was born in Atlanta in 1965, but most of my childhood was spent in Canton, Connecticut, just outside of Hartford. My parents, Richard and Mary, moved us there in the early ’70s. I went through the Canton schools before attending Avon Old Farms for high school. Those years gave me structure and a strong foundation. After graduating in 1984, I went on to Skidmore College, where I studied American Studies and played a season on the golf team. I finished in 1988, and that degree shaped a lot of how I look at culture, history, and people.

I started my career in Connecticut, but in 1992 I moved to Washington, D.C. A year later, I married my wife, Merrell, at St. John’s Church, which has remained an important place in our lives. We have two kids—Grace, born in 1997, and Hayden, born in 1999. Family means everything to me. At this point in my life, they’re the reason I keep trying to be better every day.

Professionally, my most meaningful work has been at St. John’s. I started there in 2017 as the Financial Secretary, then served as Interim Parish Administrator, and now I’m the Chief Operating Officer. Each role has been about responsibility, trust, and learning. I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I’ve made mistakes—big ones at times—but I’ve also learned to forgive myself, stay persistent, and focus on the process instead of only the outcomes. To me, success is really about the work itself and the lessons that come from it.

Outside of work, I’ve always kept golf close to me. I’m a member at the University of Maryland Golf Course, and it’s a place where I can challenge myself and also find balance. I stay active at Crunch Gym too. Giving back matters to me, so recently I supported Avon Old Farms with a donation to help with teacher housing and also gave to the Friends of the University of Maryland to maintain the golf course. Those institutions helped shape me, and I feel a responsibility to do my part for them.

If you really want to know me, it comes down to a few things: I value humility, honesty, and persistence. I try to find the good in people, not judge them. I slow down and do my best, even when I fail. And above all, I try to be present with the people I love. That’s what defines me more than any title or job ever could.