Candidate for
Trustee; South Orange County Community College District; Trustee Area 7

As a parent, business owner and fiscal conservative I am committed to ensuring our precious tax dollars provide world-class education at Saddleback and Irvine Valley Colleges and the Advanced Technology and Education Park (ATEP). I strongly believe that affordable education creates jobs, increases earnings and decreases reliance on government programs.

Our community colleges are thriving institutions enabling students to transfer to universities, develop skills required for gainful employment, or-like my curious 91 year old father-in-law-engage in lifelong learning through the wonderful Emeritus Program.

I served as the Executive Director of the American Electronics Associations (AeA) of Orange County, representing more than 150 Orange County firms comprising all segments of the local technology industry. I saw first-hand the critical role our community colleges play in providing students with technical and certificate programs employers require to compete globally. At AeA, I launched the Innovation in Education Awards, an annual event recognizing students and educational leaders throughout Orange County for their innovative uses of science, math and technology in the classroom and community.

I have been deeply involved in the South Orange County community volunteering with the PTA, Saddleback Valley YMCA, business mentoring, community workshops and coaching youth athletics.

I have lived in Mission Viejo for thirteen years with my wife Gassia and two children. I am well aware of the educational opportunities our children need as they prepare to enter a 21st century workforce. Our community colleges play an instrumental role in providing our children the foundation as they progress into other educational institutions and the workforce.

I earned a Master's degree in International Business from the George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University. I also took business administration courses at Lansing Community College.

As a vested member of this community I share your concerns about our children's future and recognize education is the key to their success in a global economy.

As a Trustee, I will lead the way to develop stronger partnerships between businesses and the community colleges to assure our education and training is on the cutting edge of what employers are seeking.

I am running for this seat because I believe education builds lessons for a lifetime and will be a tireless advocate in supporting and sustaining a world-class educational system in South Orange County. Our community deserves nothing less.

I ask for your support and your vote.