I was born and raised in California. I joined the Coast Guard when I was 17 and was stationed in Juneau, the first of many tours in Southeast. I was stationed in Sitka in 1984 where my son graduated Sitka High in 1987. We had always wanted to return to Sitka, but it wasn’t in the cards. After retiring in 1997 while in Juneau, I worked for AEL&P and the CBJ. I earned my BS from Indiana University in 2000. However, I felt the need to further my education, so we moved to Virginia where I earned my Masters and PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Over the next several years I worked in the community development field in Virginia until an opportunity in the Florida Keys presented a new variety of experiences. After working for the county and a private firm, I started my own land use consulting business. Although living in the Keys was a wonderful experience, we were missing Southeast. In 2008 I took the Director of Planning and Community Development position in Ketchikan. After close to 7 years, I moved to New York to help care for my mom. Soon after, my son and daughter-in-law took teaching positions in Angoon, so back to Southeast we went. After a couple of years, my daughter-in-law took a teaching position in Gustavus. We followed where I accepted a position as the City Administrator. Finally, in 2021 we made it back to Sitka. My granddaughter graduated Sitka High in 2021 and my youngest granddaughter is in second grade at Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary.

Now retired, I’m enjoying the many opportunities Sitka has to offer. I was encouraged to consider joining the School Board and, after many conversations, I submitted my paperwork and was honored by being elected and joining the School Board in 2023. I have a diverse background in management and feel that I will be able to assist with working through many of the challenges facing the School District. I look forward to hearing from teachers, students, parents, and anyone interested in improving our education system.