Background:
In December 2007, an opportunity to become the executive director of the EDC of Southwest California developed. The people involved with the EDC are what attracted him to the organization. “The EDC’s Board of Directors is a collection of the region’s best and brightest business executives and to assist them in contributing to the region’s economic health is a great position to hold”.
Affiliations:
Member of the Riverside County Workforce Investment Board; Riverside County WIB Executive Committee Member; Vice Chair, Southwest Riverside County Workforce Development Committee; Member of the Riverside County Youth Center Certification Committee; Member of the San Diego North EDC; Board Member and President of the Race for Humanity, Board Member of the Temecula Valley Foundation for Excellence in Education, and serves on other committees throughout the region
Business Philosophy:
To work closely with the partners of the EDC to provide the experience and the economic development resources to ensure that companies in the region have the tools to succeed in today’s ever-changing global market. No single organization can provide all the resources necessary to inform, educate and communicate to the business public of the region…it requires all the region’s resources to stimulate and assist business growth, expand job opportunities, and enhance the competitive position of Southwest California
Goals:
The ultimate goal is to have skilled jobs with sustainable earnings for every citizen of Southwest California by attracting and expanding employment in advanced manufacturing, technology, bioscience and healthcare.
Industry Accolades:
The definitive accolade is when I am at an event outside of the region and someone comments….”I’ve heard great things about your organization and the things it’s doing for Southwest Riverside County”.
Mentor:
Everyone is smarter than me…I learn from everyone, but especially the EDC’s Board of Director’s, they are a fascinating brain trust and this group continually gives me the confidence to succeed.
Greatest Passion:
Is raising my teenage son, Oliver. He graduated from Temecula Valley High School last month and has been appointed to the United States Air Force Academy, at Colorado Springs, Colorado by Congressman Darrell Issa. No father could be more proud.
Favorite Reading:
I’m a reader of historical fiction…favorite authors are Louis Lamour and WEB Griffin
Favorite Spectator Sport
Love college football….geaux LSU Tigers
Resume:
Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation of Southwest California
Graduate of The University of Houston
Born in Natchez, Mississippi
Moved to California in 1984, Temecula in 1993 and have never looked back