I am an author, entrepreneur, and professional coach with a passion for transformative leadership and social impact. As the National Director of No Kill Advancement with Best Friends Animal Society, I’m dedicated to ending the killing of companion animals in shelters across the United States. Through my writing and speaking, I explore the deep connections between animal services, social justice, community wellness, and societal compassion—advocating for a world where pets and people thrive.
My career spans over 30 years in public service, where I’ve had the privilege of building and leading innovative programs, developing impactful teams, and forging strong partnerships with appointed and elected officials. It all began in my hometown of Chicago, Illinois as an entrepreneur before transitioning to public service in the historic Village of Oak Park. I later spent 25 years in leadership roles with Fairfax County, Virginia, focusing on professional excellence and collaborative solutions.
Leadership development, organizational culture, coalition building, and problem-solving have been central to my journey. As a presenter and consultant, I’m passionate about sharing strategies that inspire transformative change and empower individuals and organizations to reach new heights.
I am a Certified Executive Coach with iPEC one of the first organizations to be accredited by the International Coaching Federation. I help people improve their leadership skills, performance, and achieve their goals by facilitating self-reflection and identifying areas for growth in a confidential relationship.
My entrepreneurial spirit has also led me to Traverse City, Michigan, where I hold a Master Captain’s License with the United States Coast Guard and operate tourism companies on Lake Michigan. I balance my professional endeavors with a love for the outdoors and community engagement, cherishing the natural beauty of Michigan.
One of the highlights of my career was serving as Chief of Animal Services for the City of Austin, Texas. During my leadership tenure, Austin achieved a historic 98% save rate for over 17,000 animals in 2017, setting a gold standard for the no-kill movement and reinforcing my belief in the power of compassionate, community-focused solutions.
I live in Traverse City with my spouse, Amy, where we enjoy the unparalleled beauty of northern Michigan and strive to make a positive impact on the community we love.
