Degrees
- B.S., Forestry, Colorado State University
Teaching Specialties
- Wildland Firefighting
Hobbies
"As someone with three jobs, a wife and three dogs, there is little time for hobbies. However, when there is time, I enjoy woodworking and handyman projects around the home, arborist tree climbing, and volunteering as a Captain with our County Firefighters' Association Honor Guard."
How did you discover Appalachian State University?
"Previously I served as the Watauga County Forest Ranger, and one day while frequenting the Horn in the West farmers market, I met Wayne Williams; through him and Erik Rabinowitz, we set out to initiate a new course for ASU in the Rec Management Program, Wildland Firefighting. After some planning and approvals we began the course and it has been running strong ever since."
What is your favorite thing about Boone?
"My maternal grandparents retired in Blowing Rock in the mid 1980's, and I have spent many childhood summers in and around Boone for over 30 years. In 2012 I moved to Valle Crucis and spent 6 years and enjoying the opportunities Boone offered for recreation and education. I still enjoy the great restaurants, hiking, winter sports, and outdoor activities Boone and ASU have to offer."
What most excites you about your field?
"I enjoy helping my students to become better young professionals though our course instruction and seeing them succeed in new endeavors after graduation is highly rewarding. Especially those who go on to work in the fields of Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Emergency Services, and the like."
What are some highlights of your career?
"In 2018 I was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief of the NC Forest Service after 8 years serving as a forest technician (Forest Ranger). At this time I also passed the NC Board of Registered Foresters Exam and have held this credential since. In 2015 I joined the Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue Department, as a volunteer and now serve as a part time Firefighter/EMT and enjoy working in my community to help others in their time of greatest need. Lastly, my most cherished memories of career involvement include all the time spent in the Western United States, battling wildfires in various roles. I have been fortunate to see much the country that otherwise would never have been able to, and few ever get the chance to see in their lives, our jobs really to have the ability to take us places!"
Favorite Quote
"If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." - Sir Isaac Newton
Professional Certifications
- NC Registered Forester
- NC Certified EMT
