Name: Michael Fackler
Age: 39 (no, really!)
Family: Fiancee, Katie Coxe (note: wedding in May; drinks on Hank!); parents, brother, sister-in-law, and two darling nieces, all in Jacksonville.
Pets: Coco, a miniature German shepherd adopted from the pound.
Education: Northwestern (undergrad), Florida (law).
Admitted to the Bar: 2002
Employed by: Milam Howard Nicandri Dees & Gillam.
Field of practice: Commercial litigation, with an emphasis on Federal practice and condominium and homeowners associations.
Professional Organizations: Federal Bar Association (board member); The Jacksonville Bar Association; First Coast Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Inc. (president).
Community Involvement: President of local Peace Corps group.
How did you get involved?
I was inspired by a high school teacher, who was one of the first Peace Corps volunteers in Ghana. I then spent two chilly years in Rybnik, Poland, teaching English and playing “professional” baseball. (We did get paid!)
How can someone else get involved?
Anyone interested may contact me ([email protected]) for more information on the Peace Corps or any event we are holding, which includes the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Peace Corps by President Kennedy. The group is holding numerous events at the University of North Florida, including exhibits at the Lufrano Center and the Carpenter Library. Also, we have an expo at the Main Public Library about the Peace Corps on Feb. 27. Finally, we are having a gala 50th Anniversary party on March 5 at UNF. All events are open to the public, and we encourage anyone interested to participate.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
My time in the Peace Corps taught me that family and friends are much more important than luxuries, but at the same time, running water and heat are luxuries to be relished!
What was the last book you read or are reading?
Just picked up the new David Sedaris book, “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk,” and “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell from the library.