About Me

I grew up in Hudsonville, Michigan and met my wife Jennifer while attending Hope College where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2003.  My first opportunity for entering the work force started Summit Polymers for 9 years in various roles in engineering and program management.  Currently, and for the last 14 years, I have worked at Mann+Hummel working my way up to the Director of Program Management of North America and finally the Director of Operations/Plant Manager. 

Both Jennifer's and my careers took us to Southwest Michigan and after having our first child, we sought out a home in Vicksburg after researching all the possibilities around Kalamazoo.  The community and the school instantly felt like home and the place we both wanted to raise our family.  We currently have 3 children that attend VCS: one in high school, one in middle school and one in elementary.  

I have served the community on the Vicksburg Little League board as the Director of Baseball for 3 years. I’ve helped coach various sports teams and have volunteered to help the Vicksburg Control Freaks Robotics Club as well as in numerous VCS athletic volunteer roles including scorekeeper, lines crew and announcer.  

While on the school board, I hope to give back and serve the community in new ways to help build a bridge between community members and the school district. I want to help keep the students and their outcomes first in all the decisions that are made.   

When referencing Vicksburg, both Jennifer and I like using the phrases "love where you live" and "it takes a village” which has become the motto for my campaign. We can always do better and I will work hard to improve our schools, but my passion starts out of love. Love where you live and love your neighbor first and foremost, then understand that to properly raise and educate our kids it really does take a village.

Jennifer and I are forever grateful to be a part of this village, this community, and this school system.