In June, Governor Ron DeSantis chose to appoint me to fill a vacancy on the Board. I believe Governor DeSantis made this decision because of my vision for Lake County and the unique perspective I can bring.

I am asking for your vote so that we can continue our work.

Growing up, I was the only child of two very involved parents who thought it was a better use of time to bring me along to board meetings and events from about the age of 8 or 9. As a result, I had the opportunity to meet people from all backgrounds and walks of life from an early age learn our county’s unique culture and values.  Over the years, they watched me grow and probably speak out a little sooner and a little louder than most. I always thought it was all pretty neat but never fully grasped what my parents did in the community and, more importantly, why they did it. That all changed in September 2014 when my dad unexpectedly passed away. I was 19 and a sophomore in college. I was suddenly the man of the house and felt this overwhelming desire to take care of my mom and try to make sense of it all. I always loved my dad but looking back didn’t feel like I fully appreciated who he was, what he did, or how lucky I was to have him. The regret has never entirely disappeared, but this community has continually made the biggest impact in the healing process. Countless people stepped up to make sure my mom and I felt loved and supported, and in those moments, I knew I wanted to come back home after finishing my degree – New Yok, Chicago  – none of these could offer what Lake County could.

After graduating from the University of Florida with my bachelor’s degree in Finance in 2017, my day job is working for Brown and Brown Insurance.   In addition to serving my clients, this role allows me to play an active part in our local community and be involved in the pursuit of making this place better. I serve as President of the Leesburg Lightning, Vice-Chair of New Vision for Independence of Lake & Sumter, and Board Member for the Leesburg High School Booster Club. I am also a graduate of Leadership Lake County and Leadership Florida.

I believe my business and community experience work well together and allow me to offer a different perspective on the School Board – one that combines a life time appreciation for our values combined with an acute awareness that economic opportunity is linked with our education system.. I will work tirelessly every day to ensure that our Lake County values are honored, that our campuses are safe, and that our students have every opportunity to be successful, here in Lake County, with whatever they choose to do.