I am a lawyer and partner in Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, one of the largest private law firms in Michigan, specializing in real estate and election law. I have more than 27 years' experience with Warner Norcross advising individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations in their legal affairs. I handle multi-million dollar transactions on a daily basis.  

For more than 10 years, I managed my firm's Real Estate Services Group - approximately 40 attorneys and paralegals, and an equal number of support staff.  I have also served my firm in a number of other management roles.  Hence, I have the substantial management experience a member of the State Board of Education needs.  For more information on my professional qualifications and experience, click here.

I have served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and been active in countless others. Currently, I am General Counsel to the Libertarian National Committee and the Libertarian National Congressional Committee. In the past, I have served on the Board of Trustees of the Michigan Legal Foundation, the Michigan Board of Governors of the Heartland Institute, the Board of Trustees of the Taxpayers Association of Michigan, and the Libertarian National Committee.

I graduated from the Northwestern University School of Law, with a Juris Doctorate degree, cum laude and Order of the Coif in 1981. In 1978 I graduated from Wabash College, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

My family is very important to me.  I have been happily married the past 22 years to my wife, Vicki, who works at home and as the quintessential school volunteer. We have two sons, ages 20 and 12. My oldest son attends Ferris State University and my youngest son attends Rockford Public Schools.

I have been very active as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for my sons and their friends the past 14 years.  I am proud to say that I have played some small role as a Scoutmaster in (so far) producing 14 Eagle Scouts, including my oldest son.  I pledge to bring to the State Board of Education the ideals I teach my Scouts every week -- honesty, integrity and an unwavering commitment "to do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to help other people."