I arrived in Champaign-Urbana in 1984 (by way of Buffalo, NY and Carbondale, IL) to study at the University of Illinois. I received a B.S. in Computer Engineering in 1988. Like many who first came to our community for an education, I’ll admit that I never gave much thought to making it my permanent home. But like many more who discover the personal, economic and cultural opportunities that Champaign County has to offer, I’m still here—25 years later!
For four years as a student, and five years as full-time University staff, I worked as a research programmer for the University of Illinois Computer-based Education Research Lab (CERL), on the ongoing development and evolution of the PLATO and NovaNET educational computer networks. My work there and at the Center for Supercomputer Research & Development (CSRD) were my introduction to Champaign County’s vibrant high-tech community, of which I’ve been a part ever since.
In 1993 I was hired as Engineering and Operations Manager for NovaNET Learning, Inc., a University spin-off which brought the NovaNET system into the private sector and to thousands of schools across the country. I contributed to top-level management decisions in that fast-growing startup and managed a group of about 15 full and part-time engineering and operations staff.
In 1997, I founded Prairie City Computing, Inc., an Urbana-based consulting practice specializing in software development and electronic design which has been my full-time livelihood ever since. Having run my own business for 13 years, managing relationships with dozens of clients, employees, and vendors, I understand the challenges facing small business owners.
Since 1995 when I moved to my present home in Urbana, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in numerous local government roles.
In 1999 I was appointed by the Mayor to the Urbana Community Development Commission and served for two years focusing on affordable housing, neighborhood redevelopment and funding for the social services organizations which provide a continuity of care for Urbana’s neediest citizens.
In 2001 I was appointed to the Urbana Plan Commission, where I spent four years dealing with the ins-and-outs of zoning and land use, helping to facilitate and manage growth and revitalization throughout the City of Urbana.
In 2004, Ward 7 alderman Milton Otto resigned due to a relocation, and I was appointed as consensus choice of the the Mayor and Council to fill his unexpired term–another opportunity to help create consensus and contribute to the leadership of Urbana.
In 2005 after the election of my permanent City Council replacement, the County Board appointed me one of three Trustees of the Urbana & Champaign Sanitary District, a position I still hold (I became Board President in 2007). That’s given me the opportunity to deal extensively with issues related to serving and accommodating development across the entire Champaign-Urbana-Savoy community, in accordance with various intergovernmental agreements and competing community interests.
I’m looking forward to bringing my directly relevant experience in community government, and my perspective as a local taxpayer, homeowner and small business owner to the challenges facing the Champaign County Board.