My educational background is as follows:  A.S. degree from St. Petersburg Junior College in 1974; B.S. degree in Political Science from Florida State University in 1976;  B.S. degree in Criminology from Florida State University in 1976; and a M.S degree in Public Administration from Florida Institute of Technology in 1984.

 My teaching philosophy is to teach students to understand the roots and practices of federal, state, and local governments and how those levels of government affect the student's everyday lives. I encourage student participation in my classes and I welcome thought-provoking questions that lead to stimulating discussions.

I was employed by the City of St. Petersburg for 30 years (from 1976-2006). I served as an elected member of the St. Petersburg City Council from 2006-2012. During my career with St. Petersburg I was appointed to serve on several statewide boards/committees that were designated to study municipal issues.

I served in the U.S. Navy on both active duty and reserve duty for a total of 31 years. I retired as a Commander (O-5) in the Naval Intelligence Corps. I am a veteran of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and I served in the Middle East as the Congressional Liaison to the United States Central Command, located at MacDill AFB, Tampa, Florida.

I am often called on by the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections to serve on the Election Canvassing Board as an alternate member. 

I am active in my church (St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral) and serve on the Finance Committee, the Chapter, and I am a Lector. I also serve as the Vice Chairman of the Board of The Peterborough Apartments in downtown St. Petersburg.

I enjoy reading fiction and spending time with my family. I also enjoy working working on my classic car in my spare time.