10 years
How long have you been in your current position?6 years
What do you love most about your job?I love knowing our programs and activities are having a positive impact on our members and the community.
Tell us about your most embarrassing Chamber moment.
At my first annual meeting with the Lancaster County Chamber only three months on the job, I took my suit to change into before guests started arriving in order to look fresh after spending all afternoon with set-up; unfortunately, I failed to include a dress shirt. I began the evening sporting a nice white tee-shirt with a new black suit. Some people thought this new Chamber executive was really cool, but most suspected I was just weird. Luckily, Mary my wife arrived with a dress shirt before the program started.
Which Chamber Executive has had the biggest impact on your career and how?
Without a doubt, Rob Youngblood. Rob hired me into Chamber work, provided the opportunity to attend Institute, and encouraged me to pursue my first CEO position. He has always been quick to listen and offer guidance when I give him a call, and he is a great friend.
What is your Chamber's signature event?
Our signature event, Leadership Lancaster, began under Tom White 27 years ago, and has graduated more than 550 community leaders. This year we are expanding this program to become the Lancaster Leadership Institute by including a youth leadership program, a candidate's academy next year, and we are assisting our school system to implement the Franklin Covey Leader-in-Me into several elementary schools.
What is your favorite Carolina destination outside of the one you represent and why? The North Carolina Mountains. I especially love the area between Brevard and Highlands. Our family has spent many days hiking and camping in this area.
What is your favorite hobby?
Hiking and camping have always topped this list but lately, I have spent more time gardening and landscaping around the house.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I started playing basketball when I was about 3 years old and played through college, so I wanted to be a high school history teacher and basketball coach when I grew up. However, I allowed a high school guidance counselor to redirect my chosen course, which is one reason I am a big fan of the IGP (individual graduation plan) in South Carolina where high school 8th graders, along with a parent or guardian meet with a guidance counselor to start planning for their career after high school. I believe if a parent had been involved in the conversation I had in 11th grade, I would have continued my plan to teach and coach.
