Candidate for
Member; Santa Clara County Board of Education; Trustee Area 2

I grew up in this area, starting out in East Palo Alto schools, then attending middle school and high school in West San Jose (Lynbrook High School). I attended UC Berkeley, receiving a BS and MS in Chemical Engineering, then went on to a wonderful ongoing career in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, where I have served as Vice President for both public and private companies, managing people and projects to bring new therapies to the market. An MBA with a Finance emphasis from SJSU has further built my skills and breadth.

While at Cal, I met Stephanie, my wife of 31 years. Stephanie is a 3rd grade teacher in the Los Altos School District, and our three children all graduated from Monta Vista High School and have gone on to UC Berkeley (the oldest and youngest) and UC San Diego (the middle one had to be different).

I think my growing up in East Palo Alto heightened my sense of looking out for others. I volunteered for years at the Second Harvest Food Bank in Contra Costa County, joined the board of the Midland (MI) Volunteers for Recycling, and spent years in Scouting, AYSO soccer, and in Rotary, which I am proud to say has extended my voluntarism to other countries as well. I am currently the President of West Valley Community services, which provides food and housing support for the communities of Cupertino, West San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and Monte Sereno.

But it is education that has drawn my strongest efforts. I set up a program for scientists to volunteer judging school science fairs long before I even had kids in school. I subsequently was Site Council chair at our elementary school, PTA president at our middle school, and worked at the senior all-night party five times for our high school. I chaired a portion of a bond campaign, joined the CUSD Budget Advisory and Bond Advisory committees, and was elected member of the CUSD Board (2003-7), including as its president (2006-7). Being on that team was a wonderful experience, as we made tough decisions with limited funds, improved our facilities, and had remarkable student success.

I really care about the Office of Education and how I can serve all the students of this county as a member. My financial and business background, plus my team-building skills are, I think, just what we need, especially in these tough times. That's why I have attended its meetings, studied its budget, and been endorsed by over 35 current and former school board members. I would appreciate your support as well. Thank you.