After growing up on Bainbridge Island, I headed to Hanover, NH, to earn my degree and meet my future wife, Liz, at Dartmouth. Then I served four years as an Army intelligence officer, to include a year in Bosnia with NATO, before starting my career in high-tech and earning my MBA from Duke. For the past few years, I’ve refocused my work on clean technology solutions, currently at the helm of a startup that is building a next-gen HVAC solution for commercial office workspaces.

When Liz and I moved to MI twenty-one years ago, we had no idea just how special this community is, and I’ve tried to give back in my own way, such as serving as a board member of both MIFC and CMIPS, as a City Planning Commissioner and Forest Steward, and many seasons as a coach for various kids sports teams.

My favorite thing to do is spend time with my beautiful wife, our amazing college kids, our adorable rescue pups, and our incredible chosen family on MI.

It is an absolute honor to be a part of Team Johana. She will be a wonderful addition to our community’s leadership!

I grew up in a small town in Texas and built a career in forensic accounting and fraud investigation. In 2006, my husband and I felt a pull for something more — so we sold our house and moved overseas. Over the next decade, we lived in London, Cambridge, Helsinki, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. In 2015, we finally landed on Mercer Island — and knew we were home.

Since then, I’ve poured my time and energy into serving this incredible community. Whether it’s volunteering at a PTA event, band concert, or soccer game; canvassing for a bond initiative; or baking with my 13-year-old son for the local food bank, Mercer Island is where I've found purpose and connection.

I’m proud to be part of Johana’s campaign team. Her resume speaks for itself, but what moves me most is her deep concern for her neighbors. She truly cares about the safety and well-being of every Islander — and I know she’ll always put our community first.

I’m originally from Long Island, New York. In 2017, after over a decade of teaching elementary school in both New York and Connecticut, my husband, our two kids, and I moved across the country to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. We now call Mercer Island home, along with our two very spirited dogs.

After settling on the island, I continued my work in education by teaching preschool and deepening my connection to the local community. Today, I serve as a parent advocate, helping families navigate the education system. I believe in meeting every child where they are and making sure every parent feels heard and empowered along the way.

I’m proud to be part of Johana’s campaign because I believe in her vision for our community and her commitment to making every voice count. As a parent advocate and educator, I know how critical it is to listen to diverse perspectives, engage with empathy, and work together for the greater good. Johana’s approach deeply resonates with my own belief that communities thrive when everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.