Colorado native - attended Colorado State University, Bachelor of Science degree in Botany, emphasis on soil science and mined land reclamation (1981). Worked as Environmental Specialist at coal mining operations in northwest Colorado for 9 years before attending University of Wyoming Law School - 1993 graduate. Law practice focused primarily on Colorado Water Law in northwest Colorado (including well permitting), also rural real property transactions, conservation easements, agricultural matters. Board member of Routt County Purchase of Development Rights Program (since 1996 inception), Routt County's 9/11 Never Forget Project (since 2017), Community Agriculture Alliance (since 2022).