I was born in Steubenville, Ohio in 1949 and grew up in Weirton, West Virginia and Seminole, Florida. After graduation from high school in 1967 I entered active duty in the United States Naval Reserve in 1968, serving in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Yokosuka, Japan. After release from US Navy I returned to Seminole and married Hiromi Terashima on December 12,1970.

In 1972, after extended travel, living and working in Japan, we settled in Seminole. I began a career in the fire service with the Treasure Island Fire Department, and our son Luke was born. In 1981 I became Fire Chief of the  Belleair Bluffs Fire Department and with the recommendation of Mayor J. Wilson Reed and PDG Jerry Hubble (D6950) joined the Rotary Club of Belleair Bluffs in 1982.

I served as President of the Rotary Club of Belleair Bluffs in 1986/87. Hosting a GSE Team leader and his wife from Kyushu, Japan served as an early introduction to Rotary’s international purpose. In addition, I graduated in 1984 from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida with a BA in Public Administration.

In 1987 I moved to California as Fire Chief in Ramona, joined the Rotary Club of Ramona (D 5340), served on committees, as was President in 1990/91. Because of Ramona’s proximity and clutural connection to Baja California, I participated in exchanges of service with Rotary Clubs in Mexico. Memorable among those Rotary experiences were the cleft palate clinic fundraisers near Tecate, Mexico.

In 1992 I became the Fire Chief for the Dougherty Regional Fire Authority in San Ramon and joined the Rotary Club of Dublin (D 5170). I served in a number of leadership posts, including President  in 1998/99. Highest among my Rotary honors was being selected as Rotarian of the Year. In addition to my career and Rotary service, I graduated from National University in 1994 with a Masters Degree in Management.

In 2001 as Fire Chief of Woodland, I  joined the Rotary Club of Woodland. In 2005 I achieved Major Donor status with the Rotary Foundation. In 2006 I retired from the Woodland Fire Department.

Beyond my career and Rotary experience I have had the opportunity to serve in leadership positions with a number of civic, professional, and business associations in Florida and California. Hiromi and I have traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia where I enjoyed the fellowship of Rotary, making up at my clubs. I have had the good fortune to attend many District Conferences, three PETS, and the Rotary International Convention in Singapore. For the Rotary Year 2010/2011 I will serve as District 5160 Governor.