For the last twenty years, I have been working in financial securities for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. My office is currently in downtown Hammond. Our clientele includes all of the Chicagoland area.

In addition, to running my own practice, I have been very musically involved in the community for many years. Raised in a family that honored and valued music training and education, I enrolled in the College Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati where I studied Music Performance. The Army took me away and when I returned I finished my degree at The University of Toledo. And yes, that would be a B.S. in Computer Programming and Information Systems, in 1973. Since that time, I have continued to play the French Horn (properly called The Horn) for 47 years. With twenty years of experience with the Northwest Indiana Symphony, I understand the commitment and appreciate all that the musical arts has to offer the community as large. My commitment to playing is now shifted to my church and enhancing our Sunday services, not only with the Horn, but also Bell Choir.  At age 20, I became interested in singing and now as an adult, I have been a part of Chorus Angelorum as well as our church choir.

From my experience as a child and young adult, I was able to study and be a part of many musical opportunities. I consider myself very fortunate and blessed because those skills and education have given me the chance to continue to learn as an adult, but also to apply what I know to contribute to my community not only as a performer, but as an advocate. 

My board position for Books, Brushes & Bands for Education provides an opportunity for me to give back to children and their families--to find ways in which they can learn about the arts and achieve at a high level. In the "no frills" environment, in particular, of Hammond, East Chicago and Gary, this organization is a God send for our kids. What stands out in my mind mind is that no matter what the discipline, whatever the organization does, it strives for excellence for all. Children are challenged in ways that they never dreamed possible. It is the combination of exposing them to "the arts" and doing it as a level that inspires them, that makes it most rewarding for me.

I consider the work I do here to be some of the most important ways to use my gifts and graces to help others. The satisfaction of seeing our students accomplish incredible feats, makes it all worthwhile for me.