Chief of Staff
About Me:
I am married to Deb (Retired High School Guidance counselor) and have 2 sons- Connor who lives in Los Angeles, CA and Sean (Veterinary student at University of Illinois). I grew up in Ankeny, IA, went to Iowa State University for undergraduate and veterinary school, and moved to Sandwich, II in 1986 after graduation. I practiced as an associate there before buying the original Ancare Mendota practice in 1991. We opened a second location in 2000 in Spring Valley where we grew the practice until we needed a larger facility. We established our Lasalle location in 2012 after moving from Spring Valley.
Special Interests:
I love surgery, feline medicine and ultrasonography. I love to learn new things, travel, hockey, football, biking and anything on the water or outdoors. I was an assistant scoutmaster for 12 years and both of my sons became Eagle Scouts. As a result, we have done a number of High Adventure trips or outings that allowed us to use all our outdoor skills and get a lifetime of memories. I am an active participant in organized veterinary medicine and currently represent Illinois veterinarians in the House of Delegates of the American Veterinary Medical Association and serve as the Legislative Chairman for the Illinois State Veterinary Medicine Association.
Pets:
Olivia (A Havenese dog who is the daughter my wife never had), Midge and Tater (two DSH stray cats).
Fun Fact:
I’m a sucker for chick movies and Hallmark Christmas movies. I like a happy ending!
Favorite Thing about My Job:
It’s a new adventure every day. I like to fix things or figure out what is going on. Animals are incredibly resilient if you don’t let things get too bad. We can help a lot of them if their problem is not neglected. That’s why preventative medicine and education Is so important. There are always new diseases being discovered and our ability to understand different diseases is always changing. When I was a first year veterinary student, a professor told us that 50% of what we are learning will be found to be not true when we retire. I love to educate people about their pet’s health and what we can do to improve their lives.
Professional:
- 1986 DVM – Iowa State University with Distinction
- 1999 Diplomat of American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Canine and Feline Practice in 1997, Re-certified in 2007 and 2018
- 2005 President of Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA)
- AAFP Board member (2002-2013)
- 2012 President of Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA)
- ISVMA Board Member (2002-2013)
- Current Chairman of ISVMA Legislative Committee
- American Veterinary Medical Association House of Delegates (AAFP 2006-2014) (Illinois Delegate-current)
- Vice Chairman of American Veterinary Medical Association Political Action Committee
- Complete Course work by University of Tennessee Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation Program
- Member of International Academy of Pain Management
- Author of 2 chapters in ‘Feline Medicine Secrets’ and National Lecturer on ear and throat disease, laser surgery, use of Computer
- Tomography in Private Practice and staff training.
Community Service:
- Board of Directors of Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
- Past President of Mendota and Sandwich Rotary International Clubs
- Board of Directors for Mendota Chamber of Commerce
- Assistant Scoutmaster Mendota Troop 1402
- Fundraising
Awards:
- 2021 University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Special Service Award
- 2017 ISVMA President’s Award