Folks that know me best know that I take public service very seriously. As a teacher at Edmonds Community College, I taught my students about the fragility of American democracy, and the incumbent responsibility we all have to play our part in keeping it healthy.
As parents, my wife and I try to instill this value of service in our two great little kids. As a family, we have volunteered to help homeless citizens, to raise money for programs that support families of newborn children, and work to address the epidemic of childhood obesity.
After leaving my time teaching economics and political science, I built a business focused on creating good public policy at the federal, state and local level. We create innovative and cutting edge solutions in health care and environmental policy. And, I’ve done it here in Edmonds, creating jobs right here at home rather than Seattle or somewhere else.
I’m proud of the work I’ve done on Council during my first term. As the youngest Council member, the only one with small children, and the only Council member that has met a significant payroll, I believe I’ve brought an important perspective to the Council. I hope I am honored with the privilege of serving Edmonds citizens with another term.
Professional:
President, Wilson Strategic Communications
Host, “Civic Engagement” public affairs TV show
Host, “State of Reform” Health Policy Conference
Fmr. Instructor, Edmonds Community College
Fmr. Adjunct Lecturer, Univ of Washington
Fmr. Congressional staff to US Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Fmr. campaign staff to US Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Fmr. campaign staff to US Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Tacoma)
Fmr. Development Director, Washington State Democrats
Education:
MA, The Johns Hopkins University-SAIS
- International Economics
- European Studies
Post-Graduate Certificate, The Johns Hopkins Univ-SAIS
- International Studies
BA, Gonzaga University
- Political Science
- Italian Studies
Civic Leadership
Edmonds City Council, 2007-present
- Council President, 2009
- Chair, Public Safety & HR Committee, 2010-present
Board of Directors, SNOCOM, 2010-present
- 911 call center for south Snohomish County
- Member of the Budget Committee
Trustee, Cascade Land Conservancy, 2003-present
Member, Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee
Co-Founder, Lake Ballinger Watershed Forum, 2007-present
Delegate, Snohomish County Labor Council, 2001-2005
Member, American Federation of Teachers, 2000-present
Member, South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce, 2005-present
Past Member, Edmonds Chamber of Commerce
Past Member, Edmonds Daybreakers Rotary
Past Chair, Snohomish County Conservation Voters
Past President, Edmonds Public Education Foundation
Past Board Member, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington
Personal
Married to Karianna, with two beautiful kids, Karsten (4) and Annika (3)
Lives in Olympic View Drive area of Edmonds
Traveled to over 50 countries, lived in Italy for 2 years
Proficient in 4 languages (barely)
