Current job title: Executive Director at Barren River Area Development District.

Hometown: Edmonton, or if you’re from Kentucky we identify by county, so Metcalfe County.

Family: I’m blessed with a great big family. Sure, everyone says that but I have the most supportive, awesome family. I’m fortunate to have both parents living in close proximity and two sisters who have been making me look good for a really long time. I’m very close to a host of extended family: uncles, aunts, cousins, etc. And, I’d be in trouble if I didn’t specifically mention I’m the proud uncle of Katelyn, Nathan and Elliott.

The one thing no one knows about me is … Many people are surprised to learn I own every episode of the sitcom “Friends.” I sometimes give advice based on the character of Phoebe and often say “How you doin’ ” like Joey (although most people don’t get it).

My dream job is … my current job because it doesn’t feel like a job. I’ve always wanted to lead an agency or organization. Defining a vision, fostering the relationships necessary to achieve goals and putting a plan into action excite me every single day. The leadership opportunity I currently have is one of 15 in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and I think that’s pretty special.

My first job was … Other than the benefits my family reaped from free child labor growing up around the farm, my first public job was a cashier at the local Dairy Queen. I could dip an ice cream cone in butterscotch or chocolate like nobody’s business.

The best advice I ever got was …The fastest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.

My hero (and why) is … I have several people I consider influential to me for a variety of reasons. If I had to select one hero it would be my favorite music artist, the late Johnny Cash. I’ve enjoyed his music, his love for June and his ability to express himself in the most vulnerable, yet humble form. For me Cash’s life exemplifies no one is perfect or exempt from troubles and trials; however, faith allows us to endure and overcome while being perfectly human.

If I could do it all over again, I … would spend more time focusing on the things I can change and less time worrying about the things I cannot.

The part of my job I could do without is … balancing program needs and fiscal constraints.

The one thing I always carry with me is … My sunglasses, because even on a cloudy day there’s always a chance for some sunshine.

Best meal I ever had was … Fish and chips in the coastal village of Howth near Dublin, Ireland. Sometimes it’s the location of a meal and the blessings of good company, not so much the meal.

At the top of my bucket list is … Travel more by finishing my quest for all 50 states, read more and eat dessert first, occasionally.