What we do at NRECA directly impacts our nation and the 900+ electric cooperatives we represent. For nearly five years, I’ve served as principal for cybersecurity solutions, helping co-ops strengthen their defenses and stay ahead of an evolving threat landscape.
Before NRECA, I served 20 years in the Missouri Army National Guard, deploying globally before retiring. Those experiences shaped my belief in service, stewardship and a servant’s heart—values I see strongly reflected in the cooperative principles. This work is more than a job: It’s service to community, including rural America.
I met my wife, Gina, 23 years ago, and our four kids—Asher, Arabella, August and Avyn—are my “why.” Living in central Missouri on Co-Mo Electric lines, and having started my cooperative journey at Co-Mo, makes securing these systems personal. I’ve been fortunate to support initiatives that measurably improved co-op cybersecurity, built lasting relationships and reinforced that cooperation among cooperatives is our superpower—no co-op should face challenges alone.
Signature efforts include Co-op Cyber Tech, NRECA’s annual conference providing hands-on training and professional development for hundreds of co-op participants, and the Ambassador Program, where NRECA’s Cybersecurity Member Advisory Group and “Guardians” help solve real-world challenges side by side. Earlier in my career, during the Cyber Shield military exercise, I helped create Operation Cooperative—bringing not-for-profit co-ops to train alongside cyber soldiers to maximize taxpayer value and build enduring partnerships. I’m grateful for the mission and the team I get to serve with every day.