My wife, Shawn, and I visited St. James several times from Palos Park where we lived and were members and Catechists at Our Lady of The Woods Parish. We were attracted to the more traditional practices at St. James, but our journey there wasn’t complete until we built a home on Logan St in 2000 and joined the Parish up the block, Ss Cyril and Methodius. We were soon introduced to Father Koys at morning masses. There was an instant connection. His preaching spoke to us and ignited a fire in our souls that we were unaware was missing! We excitedly joined St. James at Cal Sag too. Father Koys and St. James have truly changed our lives by drawing us closer to our Lord via the Sacraments, Traditions, and Magisterium of the one Catholic Church.

It has been an honor for me to join the Sag Bridge Mission Society which strives to, “reignite a passion for, and commitment to, our faith.” During my first year I led the creation of a Scholarship Program for distinguished K -12 students who are active and committed members of St. James. What a blessing Father Koys, St. James, and the Mission Society have been in our lives.

I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan and was raised protestant in the Presbyterian church which was quite traditional at the time. Unfortunately, as many young people do, I strayed from the church when I entered college. However, a suite-mate got me active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes which kept God a priority in my college life. Quite a bit later it was Shawn who re-introduced me to our Lord through the Catholic Church, and in 2010 I converted to Catholicism. I always say that Shawn was an Angel that Jesus sent to me - and at a time when I really needed an Angel. What a blessing Jesus Christ, and Shawn, have been in my life.

My three grown daughters are another pride and joy in my life. Samantha is married to Terrance, and is a Partner in a law firm specializing in immigration law. Jacquelyn is a biochemist and works as a Technical Sales Specialist in the water treatment industry. And, Rachel is a Physical Therapist Assistant and has treated many athletes including several of the Detroit Red Wings hockey players. All three of my girls are avid equestrians and ice skaters. The girls are a very special blessing in my life.

Professionally, I worked for Ford Motor Company for 25 years where I served as a Chief Engineer in Manufacturing Engineering. I also spent 6 years as VP, Global Operations for Material Sciences Corporation, another publicly-traded company. I also have experience with non-profit organizations and served on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. There I worked on the Audit, Finance, and Investment Committees. 

Our Lord has blessed me in so many ways, and I look forward to sharing my personal and work-life experiences to assist the Sag Bridge Mission Society in serving our donors and pursuing our mission of, “enabling salvation and everlasting life with Christ.”