I am a fifth generation Arizonan, raised in the far west valley. My father is a retired police officer, and my mother, a Registered Nurse, worked at the elementary school I attended. I graduated from Tolleson Union High School in 2001.
In my senior year of high school, I received two congressional nominations to attend the US Air Force Academy and US Naval Academy. I chose the Air Force Academy to pursue a lifelong dream of flying in the military. During my sophomore year eye exam, I failed a mandatory color vision test, leaving me “non-pilot qualified” and heartbroken. Faced with an unsuspecting and difficult decision for my future, I separated from the Air Force with an Honorable Discharge and enrolled at Arizona State University to complete my undergraduate education.
After receiving my bachelor’s degree in Political Science, I attended Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington and graduated with my Juris Doctor in 2009. Civic awareness and community involvement has always been a part of my life. Upon my return to Arizona, I reengaged with local and state election campaigns, which led to a full-time position at the Arizona Governor’s Office.
Learning the innerworkings of state government and the legislative process, I was promoted to Assistant Policy Advisor and then Policy Advisor to the Governor. Tasked with advising the Governor on Military Affairs, Veterans Services and Transportation, I followed proposed and passed legislation to ensure she was well informed and state agencies were supported. Additionally, I served as the Governor’s representative for various organizations, including the Luke West Valley Council and Fighter Country Partnership.
After three years serving the Governor’s Office, I was asked to fill a newly created position at the Arizona Department of Corrections and assumed the title of Legal Advisor. In 2018, I left state government and pursued a career in sales. As a medical aesthetics sales representative, I have finished as the top sales rep in the country for my company two of the last three years.
My wife of 10 years, Heidi, and I live in the community of Verrado in Buckeye with our two daughters, Harper (4) and Ryan Marie (2). We are members of Summit Community Church. I am active in the community and run the Verrado Adult Sports Club, where I created coed kickball and sand volleyball leagues. The Club also has hosted community events to help raise money for Natalie’s House, a home in the west valley that supports girls aged 6 to 16 who have been subject to different forms of abuse.