Post-Graduation:
I spent some brief time in Washington D.C. working on Capitol Hill for Congressman Tom Ewing (R-Pontiac).  Following my time in D.C., I returned to Springfield and worked as a legislative analyst in the Illinois General Assembly (House Republican Staff) where I specialized in education and tax policy.  As part of my job, I served as the liaison to Governor Edgar’s Eikenberry Commission that sought to rewrite the Illinois School Code and reform how schools are funded. After six years on staff, I joined the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association as a director of government affairs.  The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association.  We represent nearly 4,000 companies including Caterpillar, Deere & Co., State Farm, ADM, Abbott Labs, Boeing, Motorola, Ford, GM and Kraft.  After three years, I joined State Farm Insurance and oversaw their government affairs efforts in Illinois. I have also worked for the House Republican Campaign Committee and managed seven legislative races across the state. I retired undefeated!!

Current Career:
I am currently Vice President of Government Affairs & Membership for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association.

Some of the Rewards and Challenges of this Position:
My job is different every single day and I like the challenges.  One day I may be speaking to the Governor or a legislator about a tax issue and the next day I am meeting with a company’s CEO to discuss plan to add 100 jobs in the state.  Politics is a bloodsport and I love the strategy that comes with the job. The hours can be extremely long and we suffered through a grueling overtime session last year that lasted 12 months.  It marked the first time since the 1970s that the General Assembly met very month during the year. Fortunately, I have a very understanding wife and son. I get to travel around the state and meeting lots of neat people who participate in government and business.  I also get the opportunity to hone my golf game at fundraiser and play on some amazing courses.

Your most Exciting or Worthwhile Experience in this Position:
My son thinks that I am “cool” because I became good friends with Sen. Barack Obama during his time in the state legislature.  He was also one of a small group of legislators who played in a weekly poker game in my office. I’m thinking about selling tours of my office if he becomes President! Beginning with my time on staff through my current job, I am blessed to be able to help people solve problems whether it be through the legislative process or by working with a state agency.  Most people and businesses don’t have the insight or knowledge to deal with a massive bureaucracy. I also love the opportunity to visit our member companies.  I operated a huge bulldozer at Caterpillar’s training grounds and last week I visited U.S. Steel where I saw molten steel being poured at 3200 degrees.  Manufacturers employ 675,000 people in Illinois and its fascinating to see all of the things still made in our state.

How did the education you received from Illinois Wesleyan's Political Science Department help prepare you for this position?
A liberal arts degree prepared me very well and helped me become a well-rounded person.  It gave me basic knowledge and insights that allow me to communicate with a wide variety of people.  I enjoyed the professors, staff, and students. I enjoyed serving in student government and the opportunity to serve as my senior class president.  I continue to try and give back to IWU by serving as my class agent and as a member of the newly formed alumni board.

Advice You Would Like to Give to Wesleyan's Current Political Science Majors:
I would tell young people, not just political science majors, to get involved. I don’t care whether its volunteering for a presidential campaign or running for dog catcher. Opportunities abound and you can’t sit and complain about government if you don’t vote and get involved in the process.