“I am the Pastor at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. I am also an Internationally Board-Certified Christian Counselor trained in Marriage and Family Counseling. Before moving to Grand Rapids, my family and I lived in Port Angeles, Washington.  My wife and I have been married for 14 years. We have four children, two girls and two boys. Our oldest two will be in middle school this year, our next oldest in 5th grade, and our youngest is beginning preschool.”

What inspired you to be involved with United Way?

United Way’s mission of bringing agencies together and providing collaboration across communities has always impressed me. Also, United Way has its pulse on the real needs of the community and strives to find ways to facilitate resources for those unique needs. 

What is the most rewarding thing you have taken from this experience?

The chance to peer into the future with other leaders in the area to come up with solutions to challenges many people in our region face. 

What is one word you would use to sum up United Way’s work?

Intentional

What impresses you most about the Itasca Area?

The school systems, especially the music programs. I also am very impressed by the generosity of the citizens. 

What is one thing about United Way that you think most people don’t know?

What the local and national offices accomplish.

What advice would you give to a potential donor who is considering investing in United Way?

Think back on your life and some of your most challenging or rewarding moments. What made them challenging or rewarding? I would encourage the donor to come up with a list of ways to give toward helping others face similar challenges, or supply the resources for agencies to give rewarding moments to others.