I've always been a storyteller, but I did not turn to writing as a profession until after a successful career in business. After graduating from East Carolina University with a degree in sociology and subsequently finishing my MBA program, I worked for several small social services organizations before being offered a position with Georgetown University. At Georgetown, I was asked to build a strong contracts management program while managing the university's purchasing division. I was later recruited from that role to manage a large e-procurement system that facilitated billions in annual purchases for a multi-national business headquartered in Reston. In both of those roles, I was required to direct teams and oversee mission-critical operations. It was exciting work, but my heart always longed for something more. 

 

I opened a resume writing and career coaching business in 2009, and I have since worked with hundreds of individuals from across all industries and backgrounds. I was helping a client look for work when I came across a call for writers in our local newspaper. I published my first piece in a regional magazine that has an estimated audience of more than 30,000 people. Since then I have had more than 200 feature articles published in six magazines. I've also authored books, programs, and other materials for business and nonprofit organizations in the region. My entire body of work, including printed and digital content, has reached an audience of more than 250,000 people. 

 

Beyond my work as a writer, I am also an activist and speaker. My role in the 2013 ACLU/Lambda Legal marriage equality case was the culmination of a lifetime of LGBT rights advocacy. As representatives of an entire class of people, estimated to include 18,000 couples in Virginia, I became the keeper of numerous stories that were shared with my wife and I at various events throughout the Commonwealth. My time in a very visible and very public advocacy role has afforded me not only the opportunity to learn from those amazing stories, but also a chance to understand how small, revolutionary acts can impact our world forever after. As a result, I am often called to share my story with civic organizations, churches, GSAs, and other groups.

 

Today, I continue my advocacy efforts while seeking opportunities to serve my community and to impact the world. In addition to being a proud member of the Rotary Club of Winchester, I serve as a board member for the ACLU of Virginia and the LGBT Democrats of VA. I also volunteer with numerous community organizations, host annual food drives, and otherwise work to raise money and awareness for causes worth supporting.