Master of Science · 2011
Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, Western Illinois University. Completed the program through a transportation internship with Go West Transit.
Executive Profile
From the Driver's Seat to Executive Leadership
My path to leadership started on the front line. That perspective has never left me.
My journey
I know where I started.
My career in transportation didn't begin behind an executive desk. It began driving buses and washing buses. I worked my way through the industry, taking on greater responsibilities while learning firsthand what it takes to deliver dependable service.
I began driving for Laidlaw / Go West Transit in Macomb, Illinois, in 2007, moved into supervision in 2009, and became a General Manager with Durham School Services in 2012. Along the way, I learned route design, run cutting, accident investigation, employee supervision and the practical work of keeping a transit system moving.
Over the years, I've led operations ranging from major urban transit systems to charter transportation and specialized mobility services. Those experiences taught me that effective leadership requires both a clear strategic direction and an honest understanding of what happens every day on the front line.
I don't believe a title places anyone above the work. When an operation needs help, I'm still willing to step behind the wheel or work alongside the team to keep service moving.
Experience that shapes my judgment
A broad view of transportation, grounded in operations.
My assignments have taken me from university and community transit in Illinois to major urban service in Indianapolis, regional systems in Texas, fixed-route operations in Colorado, and community transportation in North Carolina. I've worked with public agencies, private contractors and unionized workforces.
At IndyGo, I managed eight transportation managers, 36 supervisors and 470 full-time-equivalent drivers, with oversight of the Downtown Transit Center. At Hill Country Transit District, my management responsibilities covered nine counties, approximately 9,000 square miles, 150 full-time-equivalent staff and 120 buses. At Concho Valley, the service territory spanned 12 counties and approximately 15,400 square miles.
The challenges have varied: restructuring a contract, restoring a safety culture, collecting overdue revenue, redesigning routes or making passenger information easier to use. I've introduced mobile fare collection, supported real-time bus information, rebuilt procurement functions and worked through labor negotiations, grievances and employee development.
Explore my career and results →Education & early leadership
Learning, service and responsibility.
Bachelor of Science · 2000
Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, Western Illinois University, with a minor in Business.
Kishwaukee College · 1998
Completed my associate degree before continuing at Western Illinois University. College recognition included Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges and induction into Rho Phi Lambda.
I grew up in Rochelle, Illinois, where Scouting gave me early experience with responsibility and service. I earned Eagle Scout with Troop 312 and later returned as Scoutmaster, helping two young men earn Eagle Scout. My professional career began with the Boy Scouts of America’s Calumet Council in 2001, before transportation became my long-term direction.
I also served as Honorary Commander of the 17th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Goodfellow Air Force Base. Across community service and professional roles, I've valued the opportunity to develop people and build relationships beyond the immediate operation.
Leadership in action
Leadership Beyond the Office
My career started on the front line, and that connection has never left me. Whether I'm overseeing an operation or working alongside employees in the field, I believe effective leadership requires understanding the work firsthand. A title doesn't exempt me from rolling up my sleeves. When the operation needs another set of hands, I'm willing to be one of them.
The bigger picture
My job is to build an organization that works.
I take pride in results achieved while I'm responsible for an operation. But I'm just as proud of the assistants and colleagues I've helped prepare for bigger roles. Several have gone on to management or higher leadership positions. A strong organization should continue succeeding even when its leader moves on.
How I develop leaders →