Birthplace: Hollywood, FL. Profession: Law enforcement. Organization: Arizona State University Police Department. Title: Commander (ret). Alma mater: Arizona State University.
Current project: Working on a master’s degree in organizational leadership. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Retiring as commander from one agency to take a position as a chief of police with another. Hobbies: Building life-sized Star Wars props and replicas. Last book read: Leadership: Theory and Practice, by Peter G. Northouse. Recently viewed and recommended: The Old Man, starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow. Recent unique acquisition: An entire collection of the first twelve Star Wars action figures, released in 1978, still in their packages.
Moral compass: Do what is right, not what is easy. How do you define a perfect friendship? Can be their authentic selves, accepted, valued, and cared for unconditionally. What is your greatest joy? My family. What is your greatest fear? Not living up to my own potential and letting others down. What natural talent have you neglected? Drawing and painting. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Disneyland. What is at the top of your bucket list? Visiting Japan. How do you relieve stress? Being creative, working on my art projects.
What was your first paying job? I worked in a movie theatre. What was your favorite college course? Popular Music: The Beatles. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Star Wars X-Wing Fighter. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Family photos of our Disneyland vacations. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Be you, not them.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Redefining what it means to be a leader.
What change would you like to see in the world? More patience and tolerance, as well as giving. What message do you want to send out into the world? Choose courage over fear, compassion over judgment, and hope over despair. What widely held belief do you reject? The belief that people are incapable of change.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Guided by Family, Driven by Purpose. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My stepfather. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An architect. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My hard drive with fifty years of family photos on it. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, in a cabin in the mountains near a lake. What advice would you give your younger self? Trust yourself more and don’t fear failure; it’s part of growth. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day before my stepfather passed away, so I could spend the day with him.
Personal motto: Always do what is right, not what is easy. Favorite quote: “One can offer no greater compliment to society than the profession of law enforcement officer when done right and no greater insult to society when done wrong” (Calvin Coolidge).
