What was your first job?
At 15, I worked as a construction laborer for a contractor. I did all the menial tasks on the site as you would expect at that age, but I did learn how complicated those projects can be. I've always sought jobs outside in the fresh air and elements.
What got you interested in this industry?
I have always been interested in the outdoors, even from a young age. Growing up in the suburbs of Northeastern Ohio, I was lucky to have hundreds of acres of undeveloped hardwood forests to explore every day. Once I got older, I was introduced by friends to backpacking, fishing, canoeing and cross-country skiing. Of these, backpacking become my obsession. My most memorable backcountry trips included several extended excursions to Glacier National Park. There's nothing like encountering the Park's grizzly bears to make you feel alive... and insignificant!
What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
Arizona State Parks is beginning to expand our Family Campout program across the state. This program is a wonderful way to introduce first-time campers to the outdoors by taking them camping and providing them all the necessary gear through hands-on instruction. By expanding this program, we can reach even more underrepresented folks in our state.
What do you enjoy about the outdoors in your state?
I really enjoy the outdoors in Arizona because of the diversity of landscapes. Alpine forests to low desert, Arizona really has everything. We also maintain access to large amounts of federal public land within a relatively short drive from our major metropolitan centers.
Highlight one or two state parks and why we should visit.
In Arizona, Kartchner Caverns State Park is a must. We have world-renowned Cave Tours, overnight accommodations such as campsites and cabin rentals, and a dark sky designation for some of the best nighttime viewing.
Most memorable moment(s) in your career?
The most memorable moments in my career has to be standing up a Leadership Development program for staff when I was Director in Colorado, and again while Director in Arizona. We're all facing a leadership shortage, and this program was designed to prepare the next generation of leaders for the unknown. We're teaching them adaptive leadership skills, personality traits and communication techniques, and many other skills that focus on real-life challenges. I'm always proud to see the positive change in our folks when completing this program, and I am optimistic for the future.
What’s the most motivational/inspiring thing anyone has ever said to you?
The most inspiring thing someone once said to me was, "people don't fear change, they fear loss." This is a truly profound statement for us in public service, whether we are dealing with agency culture or working with our public on controversial issues. I still use this advice almost every day.
Share a few fun facts about yourself.
I've been married to my wife Dana for 12 years, and we have two dogs that absolutely run the household. Although I'm not much of a reader, I do enjoy reading about historical events. I am currently reading a book titled, "Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World." I also enjoy many outdoor activities, including road biking, hunting, and fishing, golf and day hiking.
My wife and I are planning another trip to Hawaii in June to celebrate our much belated 10-year anniversary due to the pandemic. The fact that she's still with me after 12 years is something to celebrate!
