PUBLIC SAFETY LEADERSHIP

Served nearly 37 years as a sworn police officer (1978–2014), starting as a patrol officer in New Ulm and spending most of my career at the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department, rising through the ranks to serve 16 years as Chief of Police and Emergency Management Director.

LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Former elected Chanhassen City Council Member (4 years, 2007–2010), representing residents on key decisions such as public safety, local ordinances, land use, economic development and municipal budgeting.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Served 12 years in higher education, culminating as a retired Assistant Professor and Director of Professional Peace Officer Education and Training at Metropolitan State University (2014–2022). Provided administrative oversight of state regulatory compliance, academic advising and curriculum development alongside classroom instruction. Previously served 4 years as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Minnesota State University, Mankato (2010–2014), delivering classroom instruction in community policing and current trends.

STATEWIDE POLICY

Former appointed member on the Rules Advisory Committee for the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (4 years, 2020–2024), contributing to a comprehensive overhaul of state peace officer licensing, education and professional conduct standards

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Active volunteer at Bountiful Basket Food Shelf (2023–Present), dedicated to nourishing local residents experiencing food insecurity and connecting neighbors to essential support on their path to self-sufficiency.

Education & Academic Credentials

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Public Safety Education & Administration
University of St. Thomas | St. Paul, MN

Focus: Advanced administrative theory and practices, organizational management and public safety education.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice
Bemidji State University | Bemidji, MN

Focus: Comprehensive study of the American criminal justice system with an emphasis on the law enforcement component.

FBI National Academy (Session 172)
University of Virginia Accredited | Quantico, VA

Focus: Executive-level program (3 months) with an emphasis on advanced investigative techniques, administrative skills and health/wellness training. Selection for attendance is highly competitive, requiring a nomination process and a thorough background investigation.

Professional Development Training for Elected Officials

LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES
Leadership Conference for Newly Elected Officials

Focus: Practical, legal and operational mechanics of municipal governance.

Core Curriculum:

• Governance & Roles: Separating council policy roles from administrative staff execution, handling protocols and parliamentary rules.

• Municipal Finance: Budgeting cycles, property tax levies, enterprise funds, state aid and fund accounting fundamentals.

• Public Records & Open Meeting Law: Requirements under MN Statute Chapter 13D, managing electronic communications and preventing quorum violations.

• Ethics & Public Trust: Conflict of interest identification, land-use voting rules and maintaining community trust.

ANOKA-RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Public Leadership Academy (Monthly Sessions)

Focus: Interpersonal leadership, team dynamics, strategic planning and administrative communication. Monthly cohort-based sessions structured for ongoing skill development.

Core Curriculum:

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Project direction, community values integration, strategic planning and managing municipal growth.

• Effective Public Communication: Media relations, public speaking techniques, conflict resolution and de-escalating high-tension public forums.

• Interpersonal & Board Dynamics: Collaborative decision-making, group consensus strategies and managing internal council conflict.

• Workplace & Human Resources: Performance evaluation practices, administrative oversight basics and navigating union/labor environments.

Note: This overview does not reflect the thousands of hours of mandatory and elective training required to maintain licensure as a police officer and advance through command ranks, nor does it list the continuous professional development completed while serving in higher education.