Age: 36
Occupation: Sergeant, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishments: I was fortunate enough to serve on the Solon City Council from 2008 until 2014. In 2013, I was promoted to sergeant at the Sheriff’s Office, and last year I moved into the role of co-chair on the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) board of directors.
Who are your local mentors: I was lucky to serve under three great mayors and I work with great, dedicated deputies every day. Working alongside Kristie Doser at DVIP has shown me what it truly means to work with passion. But I owe everything I have to my wife, Julie. Her guidance, insight and support has made me who I am and changed my life.
What’s the best advice you ever received: My father-in-law said that trying to make sense of the senseless is a waste of time.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you: I enjoy cooking and heavy metal music.
What do you know now that you wish you had known earlier in your career: That listening is often more important than speaking. Listening more and gaining a little more insight can change the course of many interactions.
How do you ensure a balance between work and your personal life: I’ve learned to shut my “cop switch” off when I’m not working and try to look at the world through a regular lens. And I dedicate time off to my wife and children. They are the reason for the balance.
What is your biggest passion: Working and advocating for the victims of domestic violence. This work is one of the few things we can do to prevent people from dying and change lives.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt: Serving in the state legislature.
