(From January 2009) I was born and raised in the cornfields of central Illinois. For me, tractors - John Deere tractors - are the normal mode of transportation, not Metra or the “el”. Melinda and I met at Northwestern; we were married in 1995 and we have two boys, Ethan and Welby. We first came to Transfiguration about 10 years ago, not long after we moved to Palos Heights and Ethan was born.

At Transfiguration I am a lector and intercessor. I have also been a member of the choir and I am currently on the music committee. Music has always been important to me. I believe it connects people across time and place, as it has connected me to the faithful of every generation. For our congregation I believe music is a means to build understanding about and connection to our disparate ministries.

Professionally, I am a workforce partner at Allstate Insurance Company in Northbrook. I advise senior leadership in Allstate’s 13,000-person technology and operations group on workforce strategies and tactics. My background in human resources has taught me to handle difficult and complex issues with fairness and compassion. I believe this pragmatism will enable me to serve you well as Warden.