My wife Wendy and I have been bringing our family to the Low Country since 1987, first to Kiawah then to Seabrook when we purchased our home in 2011. We have been full-time residents since 2020, and I worked remotely until retiring in 2023. We have 3 children and one granddaughter who all live in Colorado and they visit us at least once a year, especially Tallulah who is 4 and loves the beach!
For over 40 years I was a trial lawyer in Cincinnati, Ohio, trying over 50 jury trials to verdict. My father, who was a lawyer, told me early in my career it is important to give back to the profession. As such, I became active in the Cincinnati Bar Association and was elected President in 2002. I also served as President of the Cincinnati Bar Foundation in 2008. In 2014 I was elected President of the Ohio State Bar Association with over 27,000 members. I served as a Magistrate for over 25 years deciding misdemeanor criminal cases. In 2005, I was inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers which is recognized as the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America, and I served as State Chair 2013-2015.
On Seabrook Island, I have been on the SIPOA legal committee for 2 years. This year I headed up a committee on alligator safety/legal issues. Within a short period of time, we implemented new steps to help educate visitors on alligators as well as steps to help protect alligators. These include handing out DNR pamphlets to visitors coming through the security gate and drafting a new rule increasing the fine for feeding alligators. I have also been active in Seabrook Island Village and try to do at least one trip a week. Wendy and I enjoy our membership in SINHG and have gone on many trips; this spring I will lead a group on a new trip. We have been active in LMMN dolphin patrol for the past 3 years. This year I served as an ambassador for a focus group as part of the Master Plan.
In my various leadership positions, I have learned the importance of not rushing to judgement and listening to both sides. I have found that if you listen to conflicting positions, there are usually good points on each side. As such, it is important to work towards a consensus on contested issues, and if that cannot be achieved, then to work towards a compromise. I like the challenge of working to solve new issues and working with others to accomplish our mission. One thing I have learned in driving folks for SIV is how much our residents love this Island and the people who live here. I feel so blessed to count myself as one of them! We are all on this Island together and need to work to protect our Island and the wonderful quality of life we enjoy.