Current Location: Joliet, IL
Hometown: Tinley Park, IL

What was your overall UIS experience like?

I attended UIS to earn my MPA. I was a part time student who was working on political campaigns like Governor Bruce Rauner's successful election in 2014. While at UIS I volunteered as a coach for the undergraduate mock trial team. I was also a paid English tutor working at the CLT.

Do you have any fond memories of your time at UIS you'd like to share?

While I will always feel more at home at my undergraduate (ISU), UIS will always be important to me as it is the place where I met my wife Andrea. I was fortunate that her senior year of undergrad overlapped with my first semester of graduate school. We have lived all over Illinois for work and school but we are happy to call Joliet home where we have an amazing two-year old daughter, Naomi.

Why did you choose UIS?

I chose UIS because I wanted to further my education in the field of public policy. I moved to Springfield after graduating from Illinois State University to pursue a career in politics and policy

What has your career path been like? How did you end up where you are?

I started as intern for the Illinois Republican party in 2010. In 2012, 14, and 16 I worked on successful campaigns that elected Republicans in the state of Illinois. I served 3 years in the Rauner Administration as a legislative liaison for the department of corrections. I then transitioned to government affairs for a corporation based in Schaumburg IL. For the past 5 years I have served as a lobbyist for the specialty pesticide industry.

How did your UIS education prepare you for your career?

Graduate school teaches you how to research. Every step of my political and legislative career has required the important ability to research.

Do you have any cool hobbies/side projects you'd like to tell us about?

I enjoy going to Cubs games and heavy metal concerts. You can find me at Wrigley or in the pit.

What are some life lessons you'd like to share with current students?

Soft skills are important. Practice making eye contact and giving a firm hand shake. The greatest asset in my business, lobbying, is being able to solve problems by picking up a phone and calling someone directly.