Biography

Born: In Chicago, Illinois

Married: Wife, Fe (pronounced Fay) who is a homemaker.

I am very proud of my 4 Children – Michael (Retired AF Major in Colorado), Shawna (NC), Valencia (CO), and Tamara (TX). I am equally proud of my 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Education:

  • California Coast University, Santa Ana, CA (Ed.D. Degree in 1996)
  • Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS (M.Ed. Degree in 1976)
  • Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL (B.S. Degree in 1973)
  • Olive-Harvey College, Chicago, IL (A.A. Degree in 1972)
  • Tilden Technical High School, Chicago, IL – Graduated 1960

Employment History:

  • US Air Force (Enlisted) – 1960 to 1968 Started at E-1 and was Honorably discharged as an E-6.
  • Sales Service Representative - Continental Can Company – 1968-1971
  • Security Officer with Norwegian American Hospital – 1971-1973
  • Air National Guard – 1968-1971 (E-7) / AFROTC – 1971-1973
  • US Air Force (Officer) – 1973 to 1997 (Retired as a Lt. Colonel with over 32 years of active duty).
  • Director of Education – ITT Technical Institute – 1997-1998
  • Teacher and School Administrator – Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) in Germany – 1998-2008 (Retired in August 2008)

Interests/Hobbies: World travel, Cruise Ships, and Volunteering

Strengths

  • I have a calm and cooperative nature. My career as a former Senior NCO, Field Grade Officer, College Director of Education, High School Teacher, and Assistant Principal has provided me with many years of training and experience in building collaborative, cohesive teams and partnerships. I have developed network access with parents, students, and community stakeholders to successfully work together as a common “issue-based” team.
  • I am a powerful problem solver. I am committed to hearing and understanding diverse points of view and negotiating to the best possible solution. I am skilled at seeing the ‘big picture’; seeing the multi-dimensional aspects of issues and their links/effects on the whole.
  • I am a ‘stickler’ for detail and am willing to commit the time required to research issues to enable me to deliberate based on the best available facts. And, a fast learner.
  • I am well trained and experienced in public speaking to groups up to thousands and skilled in making professional, articulate presentations of my ideas.
  • Although I am new to politics, I understand the inner workings of political campaigns and government operations
  • I have a broad ranging view on issues. I have lived or visited many of our 50 states and many foreign countries, which affords me a larger ‘world view’ experience.

Community

  • Resident of Pahrump since 2005 (But still lived in Germany until August 2008)
  • TV Show (Pahrump Live with Dr. Tom Waters) on Channel 62 (18.2) from May 2009 through Feb 2010
  • Member of the Pahrump Veterans Memorial Advisory Board
  • Member of the Community Outreach Commission to aid poor or homeless families
  • Member of the Great Basin College Steering Committee
  • Member of the Nevada Center of Public Policy Dialogue (NCPPD)
  • Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH)
  • Serves as an Ordained Local Elder in two area churches