After serving my country as a Foreign Service Officer for 16 years, I returned to the U.S. two years ago and have now decided to become politically active in my new home. My time spent at American Embassies and Consulates abroad included service in Yugoslavia (1990-1991), Italy (Milan, 1992-1994), Bolivia (where we adopted our son, 1994-1996), Croatia (with the United Nations, 1996-1997), Guatemala (1997-1999), Bangladesh (1999-2001), and Italy again (Florence, 2001-2005).
It is my belief that my life and professional experience makes me uniquely qualified to serve our district in Congress. I have managed offices of up to 30 people, serving hundreds of Americans and local citizens daily with everything from replacing passports and assisting crime victims, to deciding on the immigration status of controversial personalities in the local community. As the chief of the Consular sections in Guatemala, Bangladesh, and Italy, I was in charge of taking care of Americans and helping manage the flow of foreign citizens to the United States. My tour in Vukovar with the United Nations taught me much about post-conflict psychology and realities. My current work as Vice President for International Affairs at Petters Group Worldwide has given me the chance to get involved with higher education as we establish a study-abroad learning center in Shanghai, China.
After graduating from the Department of Defense High School in Torrejon, Spain, in 1979 I studied at the University of Georgia in Athens (during the glory years of Hershel Walker football), and earned my degree in Political Science in 1984.
I have been married to my wonderful wife, Mia, for 21 years and have three children: Our daughter, Sydney, 17 years old, was born in Washington, DC, as was our daughter, Georgia, who is 16 years old. Both girls attend Broadneck High School while my son Sean (whom we adopted in Bolivia when he was nine months old and only 12 pounds!), attends Magothy River Middle School.
During our many years overseas we returned again and again to the Broadneck area for home leave vacations to visit family. Now that we have also decided to make this our home, I look forward to the opportunity to serve my country and my community.
