I am a graduate of Southern Illinois University in the Information Systems Technology program. Currently I own a computer services business, which my cousin and I started when I was 18. I have previously served as the IS Manager for a local bank and the web master and web-based course administrator for a community college.
I am an instrument rated commercial pilot and flight instructor (CFI-I/MEI) with over 1,800 flight hours based in Marion, Illinois (KMWA) and can often be found flying my 1975 Piper Cherokee SIX 300. I earned my private pilot certificate on July 25, 2007, following in my father’s footsteps, and became instrument rated on June 1, 2010, and a commercial pilot in September 2017. I became a flight instructor (CFI) in December 2017.
I am continuing to advance my professional career, serving as a Flight Instructor for Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. I completed my multiengine add-on in March 2018, my CFI-I in May 2018, and my multiengine instructor (MEI) in April 2019.
I am a Lifetime Member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and serve as our local chapter’s Young Eagles Coordinator, with over 100 Young Eagles flown.
I serve as the Squadron Commander for the Shawnee Composite Squadron, the local unit of the Civil Air Patrol. I serve as a Check Pilot, Mission Check Pilot, and Cadet Orientation Pilot within CAP.
I also serve as the Board Secretary of Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois…a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring our veterans with free trips to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor.
Previously, I served as a pilot for LifeLine Pilots in Peoria, Illinois providing self-funded travel for medical patients to and from medical facilities and President of the Herrin Chamber of Commerce.