Tell us about your career path and why you chose Wesleyan.
“I spent almost 10 years in media relations and athletic administration at the professional, collegiate and high school levels, and six years ago I moved into the world of higher ed advancement. Through it all, I have always prided myself on being a relationship builder and positive communicator. Whether working with media, athletes or donors, it has always been about representing the brand of my employer and my own personal family brand in a positive manner.
Kentucky Wesleyan appealed to my family and me because of the values-centered environment and commitment to its mission. As I learned more about the rich history of the institution and the current forward momentum being generated by President Darrell and the leadership team, it only added to the feeling that Wesleyan was the right fit for us. This has been validated as I have met our staff, faculty, students and alumni.”
What are your first impressions of the campus and Owensboro?
“The first time I set foot on campus, I felt at home. It has a true charm, and it should be the pride of Owensboro. The city is also in a tremendous period of growth and is a very active, vibrant, family-friendly community. The riverfront is a beautiful centerpiece. We are very excited to make Owensboro our new home.”
What are your initial goals as senior director of alumni relations?
“My initial goal has been to meet as many of our great alumni as possible. It has been good to be introduced to so many in such a short period of time and to feel so welcomed at Wesleyan. The next goal is executing a successful Homecoming celebration. Welcoming back hundreds of alumni from throughout the decades and their families will be a perfect opportunity to continue meeting and building relationships between the alumni and their College. From our Class of ’66 Golden Jubilee celebration to the football game to the celebration of the accomplishments of our deserving Alumni Hall of Fame inductee and award honorees, it’s going to be a tremendous weekend.
In the somewhat longer term, I am excited to bring Kentucky Wesleyan to our alumni by establishing a consistent schedule of events in their hometowns. Additionally, I want to connect our alumni with our students. Students can benefit exponentially from hearing from those who have walked in their shoes at Kentucky Wesleyan College. We also hope our alumni feel so strongly for their alma mater that they will provide internship and job opportunities for one of their own and provide life and career experience that will help shape and connect our alumni of the future.”
In what ways will you incorporate The Wesleyan Way into your responsibilities?
“The four principles embodied in The Wesleyan Way are exactly what I strive to achieve in my own personal and professional life. As I said earlier, these are the foundation of what we do and who we are at Kentucky Wesleyan, and The Wesleyan Way immediately resonated with me as I began learning about the College. It will be a constant reminder of what we do and how we operate from the alumni office, and in our work across campus, in the community and with our alumni and families.”
What was your first job?
“I was a bagger at Publix Super Markets while in high school. My first professional job was working as the media relations coordinator for the Miami Fusion F.C. of Major League Soccer while only a junior in college.”
What is a favorite Saturday afternoon activity?
“Admittedly, I am a bit of a sports junkie, so I love to sit back and watch a good game or get out and play a round of golf.”
Favorite book?
The Count of Monte Cristo
Favorite movie?
Braveheart
Hobbies and leisure activities?
“Golf and spending time with the family.”
Bucket list items?
“I’ve been fortunate to scratch a number of items off my bucket list, if I ever truly had one. Most of the bucket list now is up to our kids. As they grow older, hopefully we can provide opportunities for all of us to see and experience a variety of things together.”
Favorite vacation destination?
“I spent summers in Ireland growing up, and it’s like home to me. My mom is from Kerry, and my Dad is from Cork. Most of my family still lives in those areas.”
A favorite quote?
“From Vince Lombardi – ‘It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.’”
Tell us about your family.
“My wife, Wendy, and I have been married for 12 years as of July 30. We have two children, Katie (8) and Joey (3). We are expecting another daughter in October.”