I have lived in California since 2000 and in Novato with my family since 2011. Originally by a long winding road from a dairy farm in eastern Nebraska, I am now a Senior Scientist for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. I manage one of California’s largest and well-known commercial fisheries to reduce the risk of entanglement with large whales and sea turtles from fishing gear.

Our daughter Isabel was a reluctant camp attendee during the summer of 2023 after I signed her up for the weeklong Learn to Row session. At weeks end, she sheepishly admitted she wanted to join the team in the Fall because it was so much fun. I have witnessed firsthand what a life-changing experience rowing can be for teenagers, mine included. The sense of community both within the team and among the parents is something I want to support by joining the board. I’d like to help continue to be a bridge of communication for parents, help recruit new rowers and fill in wherever needed. I am also hoping to fit some rowing into my own schedule since taking the adult Learn to Row sessions.