ABOUT ME

I grew up in Sacramento and have lived in Northern California most of my life.  My wife, Donna, and I moved to Benicia in 2021 and immediately fell in love with the community and the small-town hospitality.  Benicia has become our home.

 

I have always seen the link between growth, effectiveness and people skills. I focused my bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA on Business Communication and Organizational Behavior, and throughout twenty+ years of corporate career, community involvement and activism, I have consistently strived to blend the two.

 

My skills and expertise allow me to see the practical side of problems and understand people's personal concerns. By combining these insights, I can bridge gaps and foster collaboration, leading to success and fresh ideas. This approach ensures that we address both the technical and human aspects of any challenge.

 

Most of my professional career has been with major international law firms. I have steadily climbed the corporate ladder from a Corporate & Securities Paralegal role supporting startup companies, mergers & acquisitions, secured financings, and initial public offerings, to Paralegal Manager, overseeing almost 100 support staff. Today, still at an international law firm, I am the Operations Manager of the Innovations Department, where I support the development of legal technology and manage a fantastic team.  

 

Throughout my career, regardless of my seniority or title, there has always been consistency in my approach to growth and problem-solving: organization, efficiency, and a focus on people.

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History of Community Involvement/Activism:

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I have always been deeply involved in community organizing, political activism, and on-the-ground day-to-day efforts. My journey began as early as high school, where I served as Vice President of my class.  I have volunteered for many political campaigns over the years, engaging in activities such as putting up yard signs, going door to door, and phone banking. Additionally, I served on the Legal Election Protection team for two presidential campaigns to ensure that voters had access to exercise their right to vote.

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In addition to my political and community work, I am actively involved in animal rescue. I volunteer for West Coast Boxer Rescue, and over the years, I have fostered more than 100 dogs and transported countless others from shelters all over the state to their forever homes. You might also know me from last year, when I collected Halloween pumpkins that were donated to a local farm rescue. Benicians generously donated over 500 pumpkins, which we ended up splitting between two farm sanctuaries!

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Upon moving to Benicia, I quickly engaged with the local community. My wife and I host an annual Halloween gathering in our driveway, bringing neighbors together to collectively give out treats to children. I co-administer the local Buy Nothing Benicia group, which has over 1,100 members promoting the Buy Nothing mission of giving, receiving, lending, and sharing resources with a "give where you live" motto, which creates connections between neighbors and reduces waste. We even hosted a “Buy Nothing Party” where neighbors brought items from their homes to gift to each other, providing a wonderful opportunity for community bonding.

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I have volunteered for many organizations, but I am most proud of the grassroots efforts I have led when no organization was available to meet immediate needs. Alongside my friends and family, I have collected and distributed food, soaps, and sanitary products to unhoused communities, helped neighbors build fences, offered transportation for medical appointments, and opened my home for fundraisers and meetings.

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Additionally, my wife and I founded the Benicia LGBTQIA Network. We started this organization to create social and networking opportunities and support local businesses. We host monthly events in various locations around Benicia, including parks, homes, and businesses, to ensure our community's support stays within our beautiful town.

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That's what I bring to Benicia. I hope to get to know you, and that you will trust me with your vote.