He is a former longtime reporter and editor for The Longview Daily News. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from the University of Washington and earned his law degree from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College. He is a member of the Washington chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, of which he was named chapter member of the year and served a term as president. He has served as a director of Longview Rotary, Community Home Health & Hospice, Cowlitz County Guidance Association, Arc of Cowlitz Valley and Jerry Chapman Ministries. He is married with two grown daughters and a grandson.