What is your day job?
I am the Deputy Planning Director for Garfield Township. As an urban planner, my job includes reviewing site development applications, preparing the community master plan, and serving as staff for the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
How long have you lived in the Grand Traverse area?
Since May 2019.
What is your favorite aspect of living/working in the Traverse City area?
I like all the opportunities to explore outdoors! I really enjoy biking, and I like how I can ride my bike to get around town or take a longer ride on the trails.
What do you do for fun?
I have two main social outlets. I play hockey in the men’s beginner league at Howe Arena on Sundays, and my girlfriend and I play trivia with our team at Incredible Mo’s on Thursdays.
How do you get involved in the community?
I’m actually looking for opportunities to get involved in the community. I just recently finished serving on the board of a statewide non-profit, so I have some time available again.
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service, etc.) and why?
Horizon Books is always a great go-to spot! For restaurants, Mama Lu’s is one of my favorites in the area; my girlfriend and I have gone there for a few special occasions.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Not exactly a weird job, but in the summer of 2011, I worked for the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps on a trail crew. We repaired parts of the Appalachian Trail, planted trees, and did other environmental conservation projects. We set up camp near our worksites, so I lived outdoors for a couple months that summer!
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
A couple of years ago, I participated in the DALMAC bicycle ride from Lansing to Mackinaw City. This was a 325-mile bike ride in 5 days and definitely the longest I’ve ever biked anywhere!
What is something you learned in the last week?
I just finished a book called The Swerve which focused on the re-discovery of an ancient Roman text called On the Nature of Things, and how the ideas in it may have influenced the Renaissance. It was an interesting book about a time in history I didn’t know much about.
How can other TCYP members support you (personally or professionally)?
Feel free to reach out to me on Facebook / LinkedIn or introduce yourself at a TCYP event. I often feel like one of the few public sector workers at TCYP events, but I like meeting new people and I’m always happy to talk about urban planning!
