Born and raised in Knoxville, he attended Tulane University, followed by work in a number of cities, including New Orleans, Houston, Austin, Chicago, and Mexico City, Mexico. His diverse civic activities include service on the boards of the Knoxville Central Business Improvement District (CBID), City People, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Bijou Theatre, Knoxville Opera and the Knoxville Bar Association Barristers.