Welcome Neighbors
Whether you live in Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman, Wheeler, or Wasco County, thank you for taking a moment to stop by.
I’ve spent my life working alongside people from all walks of life, managing historic hotels in our iconic national parks, running a small main-street business, and guiding local entrepreneurs through the Small Business Development Center. Through it all, I’ve learned that the best solutions don’t come from talking at people,they come from listening, rolling up our sleeves, and doing the hard work together.
“I continually seek ways that I can improve my community.”
The Joy of Learning & Finding the Ah-Ha! Moment
Throughout my career, from my early days running operations at iconic parks like Mt. Rainier, Sequioa, and the Oregon Caves to teaching computer science at Rogue Community College, I’ve always believed that there is no better way to learn than to teach.
My favorite part of working with people is what I like to call the Ah-Ha! moment: that exact point when something that once felt overwhelming or confusing suddenly clicks. Whether that’s helping a local business owner figure out a financial model, working through a tough problem on a city budget committee, or bringing a team together to deliver great service, those breakthroughs happen when we bring patience and curiosity to the table.
Rooted in Business & Local Community
When my wife and I purchased the historic Balch Hotel in Dufur back in 2015, we didn't just invest in a business; we put our roots down deep into Oregon soil. Running a rural small business teaches you real humility. You learn firsthand about supply chains, seasonal shifts, local workforce needs, and the importance of warm hospitality.
Here is a brief glimpse into the experiences I bring to serving our region:
Supporting Small Business: As a Business Adviser at the Columbia Gorge Small Business Development Center (SBDC), I help local entrepreneurs start, grow, and keep their doors open.
Local Civic Engagement: Having served on the Dufur City Council, city budget committees, and several regional boards, I understand how practical local governance directly impacts our daily lives.
Lifelong Education: B.S. in Marketing from the University of Arizona, an MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno, and years of hands-on teaching across Oregon.
Let’s Talk About What Matters to You
Representative government works best when it remains accessible, grounded, and focused on shared values. I don't pretend to have every answer, but I promise to bring an open mind, a hard-working spirit, and a genuine respect for every voter in District 57.
If you have an idea for our region, a concern about our local economy, or just want to introduce yourself, my door is and always will be, open.