My Education and Experience
Education
Doctor of Environmental Science and Engineering (D.Env.)
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University of California, Los Angeles (1990)
M.S.E.E. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
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University of Massachusetts, Amherst Campus (1979)
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, with Minor in Physics
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University of Illinois, Urbana Campus (1975)
High School Diploma
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Gage Park High, Chicago, Illinois (1967)
Additional Studies at:
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Linn-Benton Community College (2017-2024)
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Oregon State University (2019-2021)
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Santa Monica Community College (1985)
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Arizona State University (1981-1982)
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Southern Illinois University (1972-1973)
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U.S. Army Basic Combat Infantry Training, Advanced Combat Infantry Training, and Non-Commissioned Officer School (1969)
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Bogan Campus of Chicago City College (1968)
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Bogan Community College (1966)
Government Experience
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Linn-Benton Community College, Director, Zone 5 (elected, incumbent, 2021-2025)
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Benton County Technical Advisory Committee to Justice System Improvement Program (appointed, 2020-2022)
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Benton County Environmental Issues Advisory Committee (appointed, 2016-2019)
Employee Experience
Senior and previously Associate Engineer, California Department of Water Resources (1993-2011)
As Chief of the Cal-Nevada Section, oversaw staff in watershed management, water quality monitoring, permitting, recreation, and flood insurance programs. Served as technical lead to the State of California in the negotiation and drafting of the Truckee River Operating Agreement (TROA), which resolved a century of disputes over water supplies in the California/Nevada Truckee River Basin.
Associate and previously Entry-Level Water Resource Control Engineer, California Water Resources Control Board (1985-1993)
Assisted in development of California’s Ground Water Quality Protection Strategy. Developed a database of groundwater quality expertise among state, federal, and local agencies -- to brief management, coordinate responses, and reply to inquiries.
Research Assistant, University of California, Los Angeles (1983-1985)
Co-authored studies on environmental impacts of energy development in desert regions and compliance programs for underground tanks containing hazardous substances, while pursuing a Doctorate Degree.
Systems Engineer, Motorola GeG Division, Scottsdale, AZ (1979-1983)
Worked on aerospace projects with military applications that I’m still not allowed to talk about with anyone without an appropriate security clearance.
Research and Teaching Assistant, University of Massachusetts (1978-1979)
Conducted research for a Master’s Thesis on optimal antenna design, applying advanced mathematics to determine bounds on hypothetical performance. Teaching Assistant for basic Electronics Course, while pursuing a Masters Degree.
Computer Technical Support, AllState Insurance Co., Northridge, IL (1975-1977)
Contributed to the computer revolution as it kicked off using early IBM computers with punch-cards for input and hardware taking up an entire room.
U.S. Army Combat Infantryman (1969-1970)
Served as infantry rifleman for one tour of duty in Vietnam, navigating challenging jungle terrain in small groups. Experienced combat scenarios firsthand, gaining profound life perspectives. Shared experience at high school history classes.
Newspaper Delivery Boy (1963-1967)
Developed an understanding of small business responsibilities and gained admiration for entrepreneurial dedication.
Current Volunteer Experience/Community Involvement
Benton County Community Emergency Response Team, whose purpose is supporting officials in planning for and responding to potential emergencies and disasters in Benton County, Oregon
Corvallis-to-Coast Trail – promotion and trail work on a hiking trail from downtown Corvallis to Ona Beach (south of Newport) that links the Willamette Valley and the Pacific Ocean
UCLA Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) Alumni Association (as Secretary)
Mary’s River Grange, an agricultural advocacy group in western Benton County dedicated to promoting local sustainable foods, developing resilient community, assisting agricultural enterprises, aiding those in need, and preserving the historic Grange Hall in Philomath
Benton County/Republic Services Master Recycler Program – achieved Master Recycler status by taking classes on and contributing 30 hours of volunteer work that promotes and educates on recycling programs in Benton County
Philomath Lyons Club, whose purpose is to promote vision care and community projects in and around Philomath
Attended 2024 Benton County Sheriff's Office Citizens' Academy, whose goal is to create a safer community through a better understanding and partnership between Benton County residents and the Sheriff’s Office
Co-founder and on Executive Committee of the Western States Climbers, whose purpose is to promote and recognize notable achievements in successful climbs of notable peaks from the mid Oregon Cascades to the Sierra Nevada, and from western Utah to the Pacific Ocean