I am a fifth-generation Utahn, descended from Utah pioneers in many ways. My grandmother was a public school teacher in Farmington for decades, and her sister, my great aunt, Lucille Reading, was among the first women on the Davis School District board. My mother taught kindergarten for nearly 40 years. My father is an Air Force Vietnam veteran, and they both instilled in me a desire to serve our community. I grew up helping out in my mother’s classroom, at home cutting out laminated pictures, and our fall break always included going to the UEA convention.
My wife Shannon teaches special education resource at Taylorsville High, her alma mater. She has also taught elementary special education at a charter school and the Granite School district for most of the past 15 years. We are the proud parents of two fantastic boys and one beautiful two year old girl.
I’ve worked to improve educational opportunities and fought against threats to our students’ success. In 2007, I worked with Utahns for Public Schools, gathering signatures on college campuses in our successful referendum to repeal school vouchers. Later that year, I started work at Utah Heritage Foundation (now Preservation Utah), helping to preserve, protect and promote Utah’s historic architecture. I worked to make our curriculum-aligned educational materials more available online and coordinated school tours for thousands of Utah students. I also coordinated advocacy work to protect historic district designations that were under attack at the legislature.
In my spare time, I’ve worked hard to elect progressive leaders in our state. I’ve managed campaigns, knocked on doors, made phone calls, and given advice and funds to great business and education leaders.
My career also took me to work at an internet start-up furniture company and outdoor recreation fields. In 2018, we moved to West Valley and, shortly after, I began a new job: stay-at-home dad. I’ve tried to stay involved in my community and neighborhood, especially through leadership positions in the PTA and other community organizations. I’m not afraid of doing the hard work of talking to people, asking for their help, and working to ensure everyone gets what they need. I hope I can represent our broad, diverse communities across district 31.
Community Involvement
Rolling Meadows Elementary PTA President–2023-present, Secretary—2021-2023; Utah PTA Legislative Affairs Committee and Education Commission, 2021-present
Westshire Neighborhood Association—volunteer breakfast organizer, neighborhood communication specialist 2019-present
Stonehaven Home Owners Association Vice President—2015-2018
Various religious leadership roles
Democratic Leadership
House District 31 Chair—2022-2023
Utah State Democratic Party Central Committee–2007-2017, 2019-present; Rules Committee 2007-2009, 2013-2021; Candidate Recruitment Committee 2011-2013, 2021-present
House District 33 Chair-2019-2022
House District 46 Vice Chair—2013-2017
Davis County Democratic Party Chair—2011-2013
Davis County Democratic Party Secretary—2007-2009
LDS Dems of Utah Executive Committee—2011-present
Young Democrats of Utah National Committeeman 2010
Young Democrats of Utah Executive Board 2007-2011
Pete Ashdown for US Senate Campaign Manager 2005-2006
Brent Hughes for Utah House 20 Campaign Manager 2004
University of Utah College Democrats Secretary 2003-2005
Southern Utah University College Democrats Clubs and Organizations Representatives-2000-2001
Professional Experience
Distribution Center Technician, Petzl America 2016-2018
Inventory and Logistics Manager, Sands Rugs 2014-2016
Utah Nonprofits Association, Membership Services Assistant 2013-2014
Preservation Utah, Office and Membership Director 2007-2013
Campus Coordinator, Utahns for Public Schools 2007
Campaign Manager, Pete Ashdown for US Senate 2005-2006
Intern, Campaign Legal Center (Washington, DC) 2005
Education
Bachelor of Sciences (Political Science major) and Certificate in International Relations
University of Utah 2005
Honors
2013 Todd Taylor-Ed Mayne Award for Service to the Democratic Party
