How many years have you been in the school business profession?
25
How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?
I was first introduced to the school business profession in 1991 through my wife, Sandy, who was working as a payroll professional for Centerville City Schools at the time. Her supervisor, Treasurer Mike Dugan, regularly hosted informal gatherings for his team that included spouses, which provided an opportunity for me to learn more about the field. During these conversations, Mike and I discovered a mutual interest in each other’s work. He was intrigued by my experience working in the corrections system, and I was equally fascinated by the scope and impact of school finance leadership. Those discussions, along with Sandy’s firsthand perspective on the profession, ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in school business. I quickly recognized that the role aligned well with my skills and interests, and it has proven to be a highly rewarding professional path.
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
My proudest moment as a school administrator was helping make it possible for our high school band members, cheerleaders, and flag corps to attend the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, where they had the opportunity to honor both Donald Trump and our hometown Vice President, J.D. Vance. Vice President Vance personally requested that his alma mater’s band be present for this historic occasion, which made the invitation especially meaningful for our students and community.
What followed was truly a herculean effort. In just ten days, we needed to secure approximately $120,000 to cover travel and participation costs. Through the extraordinary generosity of our community, local organizations, and supporters, we not only met the goal but exceeded it, raising an unprecedented $180,000. This achievement was about far more than fundraising; it was about creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our students, instilling pride in our community, and demonstrating what is possible when people come together in support of young people.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
The most important aspect of my role is service. As a school finance leader, it is essential to ensure that our staff have the financial resources, systems, and support they need to effectively serve students. This means responsibly managing public funds while prioritizing the materials, programs, and opportunities that directly impact student learning and growth.
At its core, my work is about creating the conditions for success, making certain that students have access to the educational tools and experiences necessary to graduate prepared to become productive, contributing adults in their communities.
What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?
Middletown City School District embodies what we call the “Middie Modernization Movement,” a mindset grounded in pride, progress, and opportunity for every student. Serving a diverse student population, the district maintains a strong focus on innovation, student achievement, and real-world readiness. This commitment is evident across academic programming, robust career-technical pathways developed in partnership with more than 87 local businesses, as well as comprehensive opportunities in fine arts, athletics, and community-supported initiatives.
At the heart of this work is a shared belief that every student deserves meaningful experiences that prepare them for success beyond graduation, whether that path leads to college, career, military service, or entrepreneurship. This collective commitment from educators, families, business partners, and the broader community is what fuels what we proudly refer to as “Middie Pride.”
What is at the top of your professional bucket list?
One of the final items on my professional “bucket list” was the replacement of our transportation facility, completing a comprehensive, decades-long transformation of district infrastructure at Middletown City School District. Since 2006, every major facility in the district has either been newly constructed or fully renovated. This work included a new baseball complex with four diamonds, upgraded track and field facilities, a modern soccer and football stadium, a state-of-the-art high school arena, and improvements across all ten school buildings.
In December 2025, we reached the final milestone with the opening of a brand-new maintenance and transportation facility, ensuring that every operational area supporting student success now reflects the same high standards as our academic spaces. Seeing this vision fully realized has been incredibly rewarding, and the timing, just months before my planned retirement on July 31, 2026, makes the accomplishment especially meaningful. Mission accomplished.
What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
What many of my colleagues may not know about me is that I grew up in a large family with very limited financial means. While resources were scarce, our home was rich in love, faith, and trust in God. My four siblings and I did not fully recognize that we were living in poverty at the time—we simply understood that we had less than some of our friends and classmates. What we did have, however, was a strong foundation built on family connection, resilience, and spiritual values.
Like many families, my parents were not perfect, but they gave us invaluable gifts: love, guidance, and a moral compass. From our experiences, we learned to carry forward the positive lessons we were taught while consciously choosing not to repeat the challenges we witnessed. I am proud to say that all of my siblings have gone on to become successful and accomplished adults, a testament to the character, discipline, and faith our parents instilled in us.
I would not trade my upbringing for anything. Those early experiences shaped my perspective, strengthened my determination, and ultimately made me the person and professional I am today.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
If I could choose to be any animal, I would be a bald eagle. The eagle represents strength, resilience, and freedom, qualities that deeply resonate with me.
Favorite TV Show?
Gold Rush with Parker Schnable
Favorite Movie?
Silence of the Lambs, "I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti."
Favorite Food?
Pizza without a doubt.
What is one of your favorite expressions?
It is better to live with dignity than to die with none.
When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?
Do I get summers off? My answer, after retirement.
What has been the best, or your favorite part of being involved in OASBO?
My favorite part of OASBO is when they ask me to help mentor new treasurers. Giving back the blessings you once received is an honor and a joy.