1. What do you like best about Massachusetts so far?   

We moved to Massachusetts for some adventure and a change of pace. We like that everything is more accessible, including both the city and the country. You can go to Boston for an afternoon, see the ocean in Maine, or spend a weekend in Vermont. We like experiencing new places as a family.

 2. What is your biggest priority for the Foundation?
I want to elevate the 4-H brand and grow the Foundation’s audience. We can share 4-H stories and raise the level of awareness of 4-H in Massachusetts communities. This larger awareness of 4-H will lead to increased fundraising opportunities and strategic partnerships for 4-H programs. My hope is that this focused work will result in program expansion and
accessibility for youth across the state.

3. Which 4-H learning area intrigues you the most?

I am intrigued by the agricultural aspects of 4-H, and that definitely contributed to my initial interest in the job. Farming is important for the future, and it’s also important for kids to understand where their food comes from. 4-H has a long history of connecting youth with the ever-evolving agricultural and food systems landscape. I think we play an important role in connecting youth to these topics.

4. What are your hobbies?

Outside of my kid’s activities? Ha Ha. I love the outdoors, I like to go camping, hiking, and birding. I enjoy woodworking and building things, and I am the fix-it person at our home. We also like to go on adventures as a family.

5. Tell us about your family and your pets!

My wife also works at a nonprofit, and we have two middle-school-aged children. We have four dogs and two cats, who traveled with us to our new home from North Carolina. The dogs include two small Russell terriers, a big hound dog, and a Shepherd mix. We also have two fat and loving cats. They are definitely members of our family!