State and local policy issues are my main focus, especially those that affect rural communities and farmers.

The Center’s mission to help rural communities and small farmers is very appealing to me, as I have lived in a small community all my life and worked to provide better opportunities for rural areas. I enjoy getting out into the community and working with local decision-makers to help them with questions they may have in regard to policy and strategy.

For 35 years, I was a professional educator and taught at both the high school and community college levels. My content area was American politics and introduction to psychology classes. I was a high school wrestling coach for 21 years, assistant football coach, and the head girls’ track coach for six years.

In 2010, I was elected to the Iowa Senate and served eight years. While in the Senate, I was the Transportation Committee chair. I served on the Education, Agriculture, State, and Transportation sub appropriation committees as well as the Executive Board for the National Center for Learning and Civic Engagement.

I was raised in Maquoketa, a typical small town in Iowa. Growing up, I worked many odd jobs, including helping local farmers bale hay. My wife, Renee, and I have been married for 32 years, and we have three adult children who we are very proud of: Beau, Levi, and Addie.

Q&A

What (or who) inspires you?

Doing work that makes a difference for Iowans.

Are you a morning person or a night owl, and what is your favorite thing about that time of day?

Morning; having a cup of coffee and looking out our back yard onto a cornfield.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I love sports, but I’m not sure how talented I am anymore.