Age: 52
Family: Wife, Shirley; three children, Anna (18 years), Brett (15 years) and Ian (9 years).
Pets: One dog, two cats, and one beta fish.
Education: Stetson University, B.A.; University of Miami School of Law, J.D.
Admitted to the Bar: 1985
Employed by: Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene
Field of practice: Business and probate litigation.
Professional organizations: The Jacksonville Bar Association, The Florida Bar.
Community involvement: Board of directors, Communities In Schools.
How did you get involved?
I was introduced to Communities In Schools when I was serving on an allocation committee for United Way and was very impressed with its mission and the organization. Communities In Schools serves more than 6,600 students in more than 45 Duval County schools through its mentoring, scholarship, after-school and enrichment programs. A friend was serving on the Communities In Schools board and I asked about getting involved. I have been on the board since 2002.
How can someone else get involved?
Become a mentor. Bill Milliken, the founder of Communities In Schools, said that: “programs don’t change students — relationships do.” The quote is the core of the work of Communities In Schools. The mentoring takes place at the school attended by the student to be mentored. The experience is extraordinarily rewarding for both the student and the mentor. Become a volunteer. Communities In Schools is regularly in need of professionals in the community who will speak to students about career and education goals and professionalism in the workplace. Call the Communities In Schools office at 354-5918.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I have learned that giving back is not a burden but a reward. It does not take much to make a positive impact in the lives of others and finding the time to give back was not as difficult as I had thought. Our community is in need of those who are willing to give back and as professionals we are in a strong position to do so. Observing the success stories of Communities In Schools and watching the programs of Communities In Schools in action are sources of pride to me and I am very grateful to be part of it.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. An amazing story about perseverance.