Age: 36
Family: Mom, stepdad, sister, two nieces and two nephews in Indianapolis.
Pets: Yellow lab named Grounder, who was born on Groundhog Day.
Education: B.S., University of Southern Indiana, 1993; J.D., University of Dayton School of Law, 2000.
Admitted to the Bar: Florida, 2000
Employed by: Marks Gray
Field of practice: Civil litigation and workers’ compensation defense.
Professional organizations: The Jacksonville Bar Association, Jacksonville Association of Defense Counsel, The Florida Bar Workers’ Compensation Section.
Community involvement: I serve on the board of directors of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville.
How did you get involved?
After taking a tour of the Ronald McDonald House in 2005 and seeing the families staying with us, I was hooked. Shortly after my tour I was also recruited by fellow attorney Kirstin Clement to serve on the committee for the annual Children’s Way 5K and Family Day, one of four major fundraisers to generate the annual operating budget for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville. The organization supports the health and well-being of children by providing lodging and other services for critically ill, chronically ill and seriously injured children and their families. Once you have seen this “home away from home,” you truly realize the need for such an organization in our community and how lucky Jacksonville is to have such tremendous pediatric medical resources.
How can someone else get involved?
Call me and I would be happy to take you for your very own tour of the house. Alternatively, feel free to call 807-HOME to learn about ways you can help. I always encourage people to collect pop tabs from aluminum cans because the house recycles them or start a wish list drive in your office to collect items needed at the house. Both are great ways to get involved.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I think the most eye-opening thing I learned was that Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville is completely funded each year through community and corporate support. The Jacksonville community generously supports the House and we are very fortunate to have a Ronald McDonald House in our area. Many families that live far away from health care resources may not otherwise be able to get adequate treatment for their children if it were not for the resources and support provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville. Families are kept together and close to the hospital in an environment that supports their physical and emotional needs.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
Just starting “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson.