A Life of Service

Leadership does not rest, nor does it retire. – Gary Hinzman

I’ve been fortunate to spend my life and career in public service. I have served on several nonprofit boards and have been honored to receive recognition and awards for leadership, business and volunteer service.

In 1943 in a small Iowa town, a little boy named Lowell was born with severe mental and physical disabilities. When he was four, his parents were told that Lowell would have to go to a state supported facility for children like him. At that time this was often accepted as the best solution for disabled children and their families. Lowell was sent to an institution shortly after the birth of his younger brother.

I was ten days old when my brother Lowell was taken away. The only time I saw him was at his funeral 26 years later. I had just returned from serving in the Army, and notified the institution that I was coming to see my brother. He died before I got there.

I tell this story because it defines me. I am husband, father and public servant and I am Lowell’s little brother. For Lowell, I have focused my life and work on public service – as a police officer, Cedar Rapids Chief of Police, Director of the Sixth Judicial District and President of the American Parole and Probation Association – motivated by an aspiration to seek justice for those whose voices are not always heard.

Service has been the central focus of my life; I believe leadership does not rest, nor does it retire. Recently I served on city task forces as the Chair of the Law Enforcement and Gun Violence Committee and as a member of the Police and Fire Civil Service Commission.

I believe a welcoming, safe city for ALL our citizens is the foundation for expanding economic growth and vitality. I hold a business degree from Mount Mercy University and a master’s degree in public administration from Iowa State University. I’ve also served on many community nonprofit organizations’ boards and have been honored for business, leadership and volunteerism. Throughout my career and volunteerism in service, I have collaborated with community and business leaders, citizen groups and neighborhood associations toward innovative and quality opportunities and solutions for Cedar Rapidians.

With the exception of my time in military service, I have been proud to call Cedar Rapids home since my family moved here when I was in the eighth grade. My wife of 37 years, Linda, and I chose to raise our daughters, Lisa, Paula and Sarah here. They have made us proud and blessed us with three wonderful grandchildren, Dylan, Riley and Autumn.