Born and raised in Livermore, California. I went to school in Humboldt State University and got a B.S. in Forest Resource Management in 1987. Did a stint in Peace Corps Guatemala, and Nature Conservancy in Sacramento. Came to Florida in 1996 and worked at the Withlacoochee Forestry Center as County Forester, Ecology Forester, Ecology Unit Leader, and now Resource Administrator. Special passions are prescribed burning, red-cockaded woodpecker management, and invasive species control. I also do some volunteer work at Russell Street Park in Brooksville. I also like running, bike riding and playing in a rock band called Rogue Runners.