Home: Buffalo, NY. Birthplace: Buffalo, NY. Profession: The Judiciary. Title: Judge. Alma mater: Samford University Cumberland School of Law.
Current project: Following the careers and progress of those whom I had a role in selecting as White House Fellows, while serving on the President's Commission on White House Fellows. Recent recognition: Appointment by the President of the United States in 2001 and in 2018 as a member of the President's Commission on White House Fellows. Recent professional development: Continuing legal education for judges in various areas of the law. Latest accomplishment: Writing a precedent decision that has nationwide application and is binding on all judges in the US Immigration Court system. What other work has greatly inspired you or have you been passionate about? Serving as a member of the President's Commission on White House Fellows, where I participated in the selection of White House Fellows and helped lead the nation's top leadership development and public service program. I also served as a secretary and then as chairman of a judicial nominating commission, where I had the opportunity to lead the nominating process of judges.
Personality profile: Persistent. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: My religious beliefs. What is your greatest joy? The birth of my children and grandchildren. What is your greatest fear? The loss of loved ones. Hobbies: Physical fitness. Recently viewed and recommended: Reagan (2024 film). What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Physicians and surgeons. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Pictures of family. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Law school professors. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Always finish the job. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Be decisive. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Being admitted to the practice of law.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Professionalism and meritocracy.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Choose wisely. What mega-trend most excites you? Artificial intelligence that improves the length and quality of life. What mega-trend most concerns you? Abuse of the constitutional privilege of freedom of the press, by mainstream media.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My parents and grandparents. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An officer in the military. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Pictures of family and family pets. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my children and grandchildren.
Personal mission: Fulfilling my role as a parent and grandparent. Favorite quote: “Every strike brings you closer to the next home run” (Babe Ruth). Desired epitaph: A good and decent man who cared deeply for his family.
