Welcome to my page on the world wide web!
My wife, Bev & I, live in Saunemin, IL, which is located in eastern Livingston County about 45 minutes north of the Bloomington/Normal area and 90 minutes south of downtown Chicago.
Background
Greenville, IL, native. I was born and raised in the southern Illinois community where most of my family still resides.
Education
I attended Greenville public schools, graduating from Greenville High School in 1981. I finally re-focused my life towards my education and choice of career in the early 90s, graduating from Greenville College, the small hometown Christian college with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1993.
Professional Life
I recently started my 18th year as an educator, coach and athletic administrator at Saunemin Grade School. I began my years of service at SGS following my graduation from Greenville (IL) College in southern Illinois, and continue to serve as the primary educator for 5th grade students. In the early-mid 90s I shared the duty of providing our Jr. High social studies curriculum.
Prior to returning to college I spent nearly five years as a news & sports broadcaster for WGEL and WSMI Radio stations in southern Illinois.
Athletics
-From 1990-1993 I served as an administrative assistant to the head coach of the Greenville College football team. The 1990 team was inducted into the GC Hall of Fame in 2008.
- I have served as the head baseball and basketball coach for Saunemin Grade School since 1993.
-In the spring of 2011, I became the Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach at Pontiac High School.
-Other activities have included serving as the administrator for the Livingston County Grade School Association, the I-55 Coaches Clinic and the I-55 Shootouts at the Shirk.
Community Service - Greenville (IL) Jaycees & Illinois Jaycees
I joined the Greenville Jaycees in 1981, serving twice as local chapter President (85-86 & 92-93). In 1993, the Greenville Jaycees received the Giessenbier Award as the #1 Chapter in Illinois in its population division. This marked the 3rd time in the Chapter's 50+ year history that this award had won. In the 93-94 and 94-95 Jaycee years, I had the opportunity to serve as a State Vice President of the Illinois Jaycees as its Financial Vice President and Administrative Vice President. In the 95-96 Jaycee year, I became the first Greenville Jaycee to run for President of the Illinois Jaycees, eventually serving that year as one of four Assistants to the President.
Public Service - Mayor of Saunemin & President of Livingston County Mayors Association
Following election to the Saunemin Village Board in 1997, I was appointed Mayor following the retirement of Gene Haag who had served in that capacity for nearly 25 years. I ended my tenure as Mayor in 2009 when I chose to not seek re-election.
During my time as Mayor, I had the opportunity to re-organize the Livingston County Mayors Association, which brought together the Mayors from Livingston County in attempt to discuss important issues that were common among the communities. As a group we were able to better communicate the concerns and needs of our communities to other elected leaders at the local and state levels.
Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council
What I consider to be one of my most significant accomplishments was being a part of the creation of the Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council, of which I still serve as Chairman. The Council formed in August of 2008, with the goals of effectively addressing economic development issues within Livingston County. We brought together members of both the public and private sector, developed a shared vision, created partnerships with members and local governments, and are moving towards our goals of addressing the economic climate of our area.
Organizations/Professional Activities
Member, Greenville (IL) Jaycees
2-time past State Vice President, Illinois Jaycees
Past President and Commissioner of Kingsbury Park District Board of Commissioners, Bond County, IL
Member, National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)
Member, Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA)
Administrator, I-55 Clinics & Camps
Administrator, Coca-Cola Classic 5/6 Tournament
Administrator, 2008, 2009 & 2010 IESA Boys Basketball State Tournament
Administrator, Livingston County Grade School Association
Past President, Livingston County Mayors Association
Past member, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
Member, 2008 Greenville College Athletic Hall of Fame
Current Chairman, Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council
