I serve the Village of Cottage Grove in several capacities that have taught me how local government actually works: as president of the library board, as a member of the plan commission, and on the ad hoc housing committee working to update our housing ordinances in partnership with Dane County.

That experience matters because trustees don’t just vote on what sounds good—they have to understand zoning, budgets, and the tradeoffs behind every decision. I’ve spent years in those rooms, asking questions and learning the details.

Professionally, I work in higher education, where I focus on organizational strategy and policy. I hold a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Edgewood College. That background has shaped how I approach complex problems: gather the data, weigh the tradeoffs, and make decisions that hold up over time.

But I’m not just involved in governance and policy. I coach my kids’ soccer and basketball teams. I’m part of the CG Student Family Organization, where I helped lead the effort that brought a new inclusive playground to Cottage Grove School this year. Outside of committee meetings, you’ll find me cycling, running, or training for my next triathlon. My family and I are regulars at village events.

I mention all of this not to pad a resume, but because it keeps me connected to what families here actually experience, not just what gets discussed in meeting rooms.

I’m running for trustee because I believe Cottage Grove is at a turning point. The decisions we make now about housing, development, and fiscal planning will shape this community for decades. I want to make sure we get them right.