Thank you for offering me the opportunity to work as co-chair of the conservation committee.

As for my background that I bring to RICKA, I am a retired Environmental engineer after a 40 year career in multiple states.  I finished my career in New York state government responsible for water quality management, specifically developing watershed plans and regulatory controls to protect and restore New York's wide-ranging waters.

On a personal level, I am a native of Wisconsin and did some paddling and rafting in the midwest. I spent most of my adult life in New York and really came to love being on the water in the beautiful Adirondacks. My wife and I moved to Rhode Island 6 years ago to be with her family and I joined RICKA shortly thereafter to find a new home among fellow water enthusiasts. 

I also became involved with local water issues which lead to me volunteering with Rhode Island Save the Lakes. As a board member of STL, I represent their interest on the RI Rivers Council and in partnership with the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program.

I also try to stay abreast of broader natural resources issues though participating in educational opportunities such as the Land and Water Conservation Summit. Through the years, I have made numerous contacts in government, academic and conservation organizations. 

I look forward to working with you and others who appreciate Rhode Island nature, and sharing what I have and continue to learn on ways to protect it.