Having lived here for 32 years, I am proud to consider myself a full-fledged Floridian. I moved to Sarasota in 1984 to begin my public service career in Manatee County's Planning Department. As a Comprehensive Planner, I assisted in formulation of the County's very first Comprehensive Plan, required by the state under the newly-enacted Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act. I also reviewed proposed developments for their environmental impacts, as well as drafting and administering Community Development Block Grants for sewer and water service. My strong interest in environmental protection led to promotion to the position of Environmental Services Coordinator for Manatee County; this function evolved into the Environmental Management Department, dealing with air quality, water quality, hazardous materials management, natural habitat protection and mining regulation. As Director of Environmental Management, I supervised a staff of 25+ and administered a budget in excess of $2M, from 1992 until my retirement in 2008.

Prior to coming to Florida, I was an environmental consultant/policy analyst in my hometown, Washington, D.C. My most recent work there was assisting the EPA with nationwide implementation of the Clean Water Act.