What was your first job? Other than babysitting, I worked at Der Weinerschnitzel when I was about 15. A strange story from there was the guy who called first thing every Saturday morning and asked us to start a hot dog for him that he wanted to cook on those roller cookers for several hours so it was REALLY well done. Takes all kinds....

How do you connect personally with CSPI mission? My work in homelessness began with The Gathering Place in 1999 planning fundraising events and communications. As part of my job I got to know the people we served and shared their stories, and I was struck by realizing that I had way more in common with them than different. I have addiction and recovery in my family, mental illness, job loss, family struggles, etc. But I saw that what I had that most of the folks who I knew didn't, was a strong community of support. I had friends and family who bolstered me in hard times, be it financially, a place to stay or more importantly, emotional support when things went south for me. Everyone deserves a community that can hold hope for us when we just can't. That is what I get to be part of at CSPI and it really is a privilege.

What is your hometown? Denver, for sure. I was a bit of an Air Force brat early on, and our family moved to Denver around 1972 after my dad left the service. I had a five year stint in Chicago after college, and returned home to Denver (baby, husband and two cats in tow) in 1995. I can't imagine living anywhere else.

Things you enjoy doing outside of volunteer/professional work: I love getting my hands in the garden dirt, and I love needlecraft - knitting and needlepoint - for which there isn't enough time or money in the world! Coincidentally I'm board chair for the Colorado Village Collaborative. I've worked alongside them since their founding and deeply appreciate their approach of meeting people where they are on their journey through homelessness.

Do you have a chosen or pet you'd like to brag about? I live with my wife of six years, Morgan, and our pamdemic puppy Tonk. Our home is a landing point for my 25 year old twin boys Thomas and Sean whenever they come back to Denver from Gunnison and Durango, which of course I just love. My older son Conor lives in Broomfield with his wife Bethany and we see them frequently for family game nights or City Park Jazz. We are lucky to count their dad as a close friend and amazing dad.