Born and raised in Texas, I graduated from Permian High School in 1984. I entered the United States Army in 1987 and served for over six years in communications and military intelligence.

After separating from the military in 1993, I joined the private sector. In 1997, I started my own business and with the help of the G. I. Bill, put myself through college. I graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a B.S in Chemistry and completed my teacher preparation program in 2002.

After teaching in Texas for 7 years, I moved to Alaska in 2009. I taught in the North Slope Borough School District for 12 years during which I completed my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from University of Alaska Southeast.

My last year teaching in the classroom was 2022 and I began working at the district office of Yukon Flats School District. I am happily married to my wife of 17 years and have four children and 11 grandchildren.