Graduate of Boise State University with B.S. in criminal justice administration – McNair Scholar and student body president; U.S. Coast Guard veteran – top secret clearance, Arctic Service Medal, and two Antarctic Service Medals; former chief academic officer for the Idaho State Board of Education; former U.S. Senate law clerk; recipient of multiple civilian awards, including the Governor’s Commendation for Distinguished Public Service and Idaho Business Review’s Accomplished 40 Under 40; past and present volunteerism includes Andrus Center for Public Policy Board of Governors and the Ada County Veterans Treatment Court; author of multiple articles about incident management and emergency preparedness in Idaho; spouse: Katie; two young children.