Born in Pocatello; graduate of Skyline High School in Idaho Falls; received degree in communications from Boise State University in 1998; fought wildland fires with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for seven seasons; joined the Boise Fire Department in 1988; awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1992 and attended the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy; advanced within Boise Fire Department to rank of Battalion Chief and retired in 2014; served on the board of Conservation Voters of Idaho; currently serving on board of Idaho AFL-CIO and spearheading the foundation of a new Idaho Workers Memorial; spouse: Amy; two children; one grandchild.