Since 1990, I've held a position on the Catholic school board in Wellington County -- this means I've had a seat at the table for ten terms, passionately representing both the educators and the students in this school board for 36 years. During my tenure as a trustee -- which include 17 years as chair of the board, and in which time I have chaired all board committees -- the school board has thrived and is known across the province as an example of success in education.
I'm currently seeking my 12th term, where I'm confident my experience will help me to continue the work I've done in this board for over three decades.
In addition to being a long-standing trustee, I've also been a student, a parent and a grandparent in this school board. I also served for 41 years as a member of the Guelph Police Service, retiring in 2017 as a staff sergeant, which shows my commitment to this community. As well, I was on The Board of Directors of The Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association for 17 years, and held the office of President from 2012 to 2014. I was also on The Board of Directors of The Canadian Catholic Schools Trustees Association, representing Ontario for 11 years, and held the office of National President from 2016 to 2019. I am an active member of CCSTA Endowment Committee.
I've been married to my beautiful wife Laurie for 25 years, and we have six children and nine grandchildren. Three of our grandchildren attend St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic School, with two more attending St. Michael Catholic School. One just started kindergarten at Canadian Martyr’s Catholic Elementary School in Kitchener.
RECOGNITION AND AWARDS:
1992: Recipient of the Lieutenant Governor General’s 125th Anniversary Medal for Community Service
2000: Recipient of the local OECTA unit’s Award of Merit
2002: Recipient of the Guelph Police Service Officer of The Year award
2013: Recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for community service
2018: Recipient of the Father Redmond Award for outstanding contribution to Catholic education in Ontario
