Age: It's not the years, it's the mileage.
Family: Lovely, hardworking wife Meredith and two delightful young sons, Will and Alex.
Pets: None.
Education: Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis, 1997; Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 1994; Vincennes University, 1989.
Admitted to the Bar: Illinois 1997 (inactive); Florida 1998.
Employed by: Shareholder and co-managing partner, Taylor Day.
Field of practice: Commercial and business litigation, construction litigation, real property litigation and transportation litigation.
Professional organizations: ALFA International, Jacksonville Lean Consortium, and University of North Florida Dean Robert Wood's Council, Division of Continuing Education.
Community involvement: Ability Housing of Northeast Florida Inc. president and youth soccer at Patton Park.
How did you become involved?
A co-worker's husband told me about Ability Housing at the firm's Christmas party. The mission impressed me, especially given my wife's commitment to special needs students within Duval County schools. It is critical – both economically and to maintain Jacksonville's quality of life – to provide a viable, long-term housing solution for families and individuals who either are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as to address the specific housing needs of adults with disabilities. The more I learned about Ability Housing's economic and social impact, the more I realized the organization deserved my active support. I was asked to join the board and was later elected board president.
How can someone else become involved?
Of course, financial support is welcome. Serving the homeless and adults with disabilities means we rely upon the support of the community. There also are many ways to volunteer. Advocates are needed – people expressing their support of a holistic approach to solving the issue of homelessness in Jacksonville. People can serve on various program committees, and there are frequently projects at properties for people wanting a more "hands on" involvement.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
Homelessness impacts the entire community. Some think of it as an isolated problem, impacting only a few neighborhoods, but it impacts all of us. Fortunately, homelessness is a challenge we can solve. All the solution requires is consistent leadership and collective commitment. I also have learned about the many dedicated people working daily in Jacksonville to address these challenges. For instance, Ability Housing Executive Director Shannon Nazworth is remarkable in her relentless dedication and expertise to permanently solve the challenge of homelessness in Jacksonville.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
"Anatomy of a Lean Leader: As Illustrated by 10 Modern CEOs and Abraham Lincoln," by fellow Ability Housing board member Jerry Bussell.