Age: 39
Family: Wife, Jessica, two sons and a daughter
Pets: After the recent passing and 14 years with our Italian greyhound, we're currently without pets.
Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Florida State University; J.D., Loyola University; and MBA, Florida State University.
Admitted to the Bar: 1999
Employed by: Kopelousos, Bradley and Garrison, P.A. and I serve as the children's ombudsman for Jacksonville.
Field of practice: Local government/municipal law, child advocacy and criminal defense.
Professional Organizations: Florida Bar Grievance Committee, The Jacksonville Bar Association and Clay County Bar Association.
Community involvement: The Mayor's Victims Assistance Advisory Council and Florida's Children First.
How did you become involved?
While working with the Guardian ad Litem Program and Voices for Children of the First Coast, I met a number of amazing people who were volunteering in ways that truly made a difference for local children. I wanted to get involved and see if my skills and background could help someone else.
How can someone become involved?
Volunteermatch.org is a great place to start. Call me — (904) 269-1111 — or email me ([email protected]), and I can tell you about the great victim serving organizations in the area.
What have you learned through the experience?
I've learned that many of the myths about why people don't get involved — too time consuming, lack of support, etc. — really aren't true. There are many opportunities where people can help with one case or give some advice that points someone in the right direction, and make a true positive difference that takes less time than most of us spend getting coffee. There are a lot of people that only need a little help, and the more people get involved, the better our community will be.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
Blue Ocean Strategy by Kim & Mauborgne