I am a third generation Montanan and native of Billings. I remember when Billings ended at 8th Street West, the Heights was a series of small farms, and Rocky Mountain College was Billings Polytechnic with its own post office since it was “way out of town”. I have enjoyed being involved in the business community for most of my life, both as a business owner as well as a business employee, so I have seen both sides of business.  
 
When I was in College at Notre Dame, we had a mock Democratic convention and Tom Judge (later governor of Montana) was our state delegation chair and thus began my interest in government, its workings and its mysteries.
 
When my wife Linda and I got married, she stipulated that I could do my political thing so long as I did not run for elective office.  So…I enjoyed my involvement with the Billings Chamber on the Legislative and Civic Affairs Committees.  I was on the Chamber board when the position of Director of Government Affairs was created and if I wasn’t the first to apply, surely I was the second! This allowed me to continue to respect our marriage contract while moving further into the political area. From City Council, County Commissioners and state government to the national issues, I deal with Billings Chamber issues which might or do affect Chamber members.  
 
I’ve retired three times and disliked it all three, so its obvious that I am a person of few hobbies.  Linda and I treasure our fishing outings, and we go as often as we can.  For the past three years, I’ve raised wine grapes and even bottled a few bottles of my own wine. I may eventually be brave enough to try it.
 
It is a pleasure to work with such a dedicated, professional group of individuals.  The saying “there is no I in TEAMWORK” truly applies here. This is what attracted me to the position and is what I value day to day