CIO, Washtenaw County. Leading the home county of the University of Michigan and Internet2 into the e-government age; also responsible for Wireless Washtenaw, a plan to blanket the entire county with free wireless Internet access.
WHERE BORN: Detroit
MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS:
"One would be my dad for sure. He always found time, even with eight kids, to coach us and teach us right
from wrong. He is a man of great integrity. Two, I’d have to say (Washtenaw County deputy administrator) Frank
Cambria, because when I came to the county I had lost a little fire in my belly for public service. He gave me
back the enthusiasm for public service. Not only professionally but personally as well, he’s helped me a lot."
LAST BOOK READ: "Against All Enemies," by Richard Clarke.
WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME:
"Loyal. Having integrity. Hard working. Fun."
WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED:
"I think technology is going to fundamentally change the way government works, just as it has changed the way
business works. I think people are going to demand services from us 24-7, and I think will become more
effective and efficient because of it."
FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET:
"The Blackberry. I resisted it because I thought it was too big and bulky, but man oh man, it has changed my life."
FAVORITE PLACE: "Home with my family."
FAVORITE HOBBY:
"Reading."
FAVORITE FOOD: "I’m going to sound like a teenager here, but I love pizza."
MY HIDDEN TALENT:
"I haven’t done it in years, but I was a heck of a baseball coach at one time. I coached a team of 17- and 18-year-olds that finished third in the country. And I cook."
HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED:
"As someone who really took public service as a noble endeavor and instilled the values of public service in others."
At the annual awards reception in April 2009, one Leader & Innovator from the previous 12 months will be selected as the Grant Thornton Leader & Innovator of the Year.
