I began my career with MoDOT in November of 1997 and have worked primarily within the Program Delivery Division. I enjoyed 14 years in Construction as an inspector and Resident Engineer before transferring into my current position of District Design Engineer for the Northeast District. These positions have allowed me to serve on various statewide teams and develop many positive relationships with employees from all around the state.

As a MoDOT employee with over 24 years of service, I am fully aware of the issues affecting employees related to pay and benefits. These issues only emphasize how vital the MPERS pension system is to both active and retired employees. I was able to gain insight into these issues while leading the 2014 Employee Satisfaction Survey Team related to Total Compensation. Our team reviewed the status of our retirement system and evaluated the positive impacts to our overall benefits package.

Maintaining a stable and viable retirement system by continuing to reduce the current unfunded liability is my primary reason for running for the MPERS Board of Trustees. I will work to serve as a voice for active MoDOT employees in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system for current and future members.

Thank you for your consideration.

Over the past 25 years I have had the privilege to meet and work with employees in many job titles and departments.  My positions in the Financial Service department at MoDOT have allowed me to interact with all levels of MoDOT personnel by listening and sharing their concerns, providing answers to their questions and explaining all available options.  My approach throughout my MoDOT career is to always be of service and help employees resolve issues.

When I was seeking my first term as a trustee with MPERS representing active MoDOT employees I was concerned with MPERS’ funding ratio and our fund’s future.  I wanted to improve and protect our retirement benefit for future and current retirees.  By working as a team on the MPERS board with dedication toward resolving issues, continued education, and seeking expert guidance of various options and experiences has resulted in progress being made for a better funded retirement system.  MPERS has improved its funded ratio to 62.4% and is on track for higher levels not seen before.  It also has over $3 billion in its investment portfolio, which is an all-time high, achieved while keeping risk low.

To continue such progress will require a trustee to participate in board activities, education opportunities and resolve to meet employees’ expectations as a fiduciary of their system.  I pride myself in obtaining new training and education meeting trustee requirements, engaging regularly in board activities and committee assignments.  It is my pledge to continue the work being done in the areas of funding status, investment growth with positive returns, security of member information and high quality of service for members.  I am committed to maintaining a solid financial foundation of our retirement system and the best interest of our employees at all levels.

I was born and raised in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri and graduated college from Westminster College, in Fulton, Missouri, with Bachelors degrees in both Accounting and Business Management.  I joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol as a member of the 84th recruit class in May of 2005.  Originally assigned to Montgomery County, before eventually becoming a Sergeant in Troop F and handling my patrol canine, Rocky.

During this time, I did an internship in the Budget and Procurement Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, where I became familiar with the budgetary process, including the important aspects of salary and retirement.  After 12 years with the Patrol, I spent several years in the financial industry as a Financial Advisor.  During my time, as a Financial Advisor, I earned a Series 7, General Securities Representative License, as well as my Series 66 license, which certifies me as an Investment Adviser and Broker, through the Federal Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).  In 2019, I returned to the Missouri State Highway Patrol as a Trooper in Ste. Genevieve County.  I have recently returned to central Missouri to be an instructor at the academy.

I believe my experience and knowledge of the financial industry will allow me to serve the active members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol well on this board, to ensure the funding continues to support us all in our retirement.

I passionately serve as the MoDOT retiree rep! I participate in all board business, stand up to those fighting against us and promise to always give my best representing those of us whose livelihood is at stake. I’m dedicated to my on-going education requirements. I’ll confidently and diligently police retirees’ interests by supporting what makes our system sustainable, strong and secure.

I’m not intimidated by directors, commissioners or political forces. I promise to continue doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time even if it’s not popular. I advocate for MoDOT retirees.  Period!

I’ve served as board chair and vice chair. I chair the Board Governance Committee. I led the creation of operating guidelines. These address how we do business – ensuring we follow laws, work openly and fairly, and use high standards in setting policies and making decisions.

The system is at its best ever – we’ve outperformed benchmarks by 9%, rank in the top 1% among national peers and drove the fund to an all-time high of $3.2 billion. In 2021, we earned a 23% return. We’re on a great path and have worked hard to accomplish these results; however, we still face serious threats regarding our benefits, and we cannot slip up.

I joined MoDOT in 1979 after graduating from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. I worked in a variety of positions, including 12 years as MoDOT’s public affairs director.

I’m committed to effective communication, and I’ll continue using my skills to represent you. The board should be accountable to members, and we, MoDOT retirees, must participate in shaping our future.

I’m honored to serve you. I’ll continue speaking up, and protecting and advocating for benefits we’ve been promised – benefits we proudly and rightfully earned. I appreciate your support and vote of confidence! 

As a MoDOT retiree with nearly 30 years of service, I would be honored to use my leadership skills and expertise in fiscal management as an MPERS board member. Doing so would allow me to further contribute to two organizations very near and dear to me, while working to ensure their growth and success.

During my time at MoDOT, I worked in four districts (rural and urban) and served in numerous positions at Central Office. Experience at both the district and Central Office levels gives me a thorough understanding of the needs and challenges facing MoDOT and the Patrol and their employees.

As a district engineer or assistant district engineer for more than 20 years, I was charged with managing hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars. Understanding fiscal responsibility and trusting employees to wisely apply our limited resources to best benefit Missourians will continue to be my goal. I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to the board, which has not seen a change in the MoDOT retiree representative for quite some time. I pledge to be your voice on the board and represent your views and interests.

I will be available as needed and willing to travel the state to meet with retirees and employees alike to address issues and concerns. I will hold virtual “town hall” gatherings when group discussions are needed to understand issues.

On a personal note, I have been married for 26 years to my wife Dianna, who is also a MoDOT retiree with 34 years of public service. We stay busy with grandkids and traveling this great state.

I would humbly appreciate your vote as the next MoDOT retiree representative to the MPERS board. I promise to serve you with all the passion I had as a former leader at MoDOT.

I spent 19 years on the Executive Board for Missouri State Troopers Association (MOSTA). I was on the Board the last time the “bubble” burst. It was during that time we took note when MPERS spurred into action to close the unfunded liability by raising the contribution level. Their foresight, initiated by the financial crisis, was to be commended and has guided the MPERS system to a state of health much sounder than its cousin MOSERS. The indicators of economic uncertainty are accumulating. I do not know what lies ahead, but I do know the protection of the assets which provide our retirement earnings is the primary focus of why I am seeking your support for a seat on the MPERS Board.    

The protection of benefits was a priority while I served at the Association. It will be a priority should I win my seat in the General Assembly. As retirees, we all know the peace of mind that a defined benefit retirement provides, and I will be a strong defender against any changes to a defined contribution plan.  I want to be a good steward of the funds which we earned with our years of service to the State. Should I win your support and your vote, I’ll promise to do just that. 

I have been an MPERS Trustee since 2014. I served as the Chairman for two consecutive years until my term expired. I’m an active trustee, taking my fiduciary responsibility seriously, always doing what I independently feel is best for our retirement system. I enjoy serving the members of MPERS, realizing as a stakeholder I know the importance of the success of the system.

I actively served the MSHP for nearly 30 years, retiring as the assistant superintendent. I have held positions of great responsibility and trust including; Chairman of Mo Probation & Parole (appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt). I was the deputy chief and interim chief of the O’Fallon Police Dept. I was the deputy director and executive director of the Mo Gaming Commission (MGC) for nearly nine years. The MGC exposed me to large financial institutions and prepared me to serve on the MPERS Board. I also hold a BA in General Studies with an emphasis on Business, from Columbia College. I’m currently a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church, serving the Diocese of Jefferson City. I’m the Religious Liaison to Lincoln University and an Advisory Board member at Father Tolton High School.