Q: Where do you work and what is your job all about?

Since 2001, I have served as the Superintendent of the Calhoun Intermediate School District. The CISD is a regional educational service agency that provides support to the 13 school districts, four public school academies and the communities throughout Calhoun County. Our services include, but are not limited to, special education, educational professional development, technology, special education, early childhood, and workforce development. In short, my main responsibility is to ensure that we are providing the highest quality services possible in a cost effective and responsible manner. 

Q: Tell us a little about your family, friends and hobbies.

I have been happily married for thirteen years to my wife Cathie. We have two children; Patrick, who is eight years old and entering the third grade, and Kurt, who is five years old and is just starting kindergarten. My father owned a gas/service station in Marshall for 46 years and that is where I learned my work ethic and developed my commitment to helping others. My work responsibilities do take up an enormous amount of my time, so my hobbies are limited. However, when I do have some spare time it is usually spent with my family. I adore my wife and children, and want to make sure that they are not shortchanged due to my busy work life.

Q: How did you get started volunteering for United Way of Greater Battle Creek?

Other the years the CISD has worked with the B.C. United Way as well as with many of the community agencies that they help to support. I have learned through these interactions that we are very fortunate to have such a quality United Way in Battle Creek. Last year, I served on the Campaign Cabinet as the Education Campaign Chair and had a very positive experience. I was honored to be asked to serve as this year’s Campaign Co-Chair with Tim Kool, and consider this to be a great privilege, as well as an opportunity to help this great organization and the community it serves.

Q: Why do you enjoy volunteering for United Way of Greater Battle Creek?

As an educator, my life has been devoted to helping others. Although a lot of progress has been made, there continues to be many needs that exist in the Battle Creek area. By working with the dedicated staff of the B.C. United Way, as well as those throughout the Battle Creek community, I am confident that we will continue to move forward in a positive direction. The future of Calhoun County depends on the success of the Battle Creek area, so I view this work as extremely important and very critical if we all are going to succeed in the future.

Q: You are co-chairing the Annual Community Solutions Campaign this year. Tell us about the campaign and what plans you have to make it successful.

The key to a successful campaign will be to continue communicating the mission of the B.C. United Way, the fact that the monies raised through this campaign will be spent in a fiscally appropriate manner, the needs that continue to exist in the Battle Creek area, and the positive impact that an individual or organization’s contribution will make for our short and long-term future.

Q: What is one thing you want community members to know about United Way of Greater Battle Creek?

Making a contribution to United Way of Greater Battle Creek, is making an investment in the future of this great community. As mentioned earlier, we are fortunate to have this well-managed, well-governed organization as part of our community and those who give their hard earned dollars to this campaign can be confident that they are doing everything possible to provide quality support to those in need in the greater Battle Creek area.

Updated 04/21/2007