What leadership lessons did you learn from serving in the United States Marine Corps?

The Marine Corps taught me that leadership is not about rank—it is about responsibility. I learned that leaders must set the example, earn trust through their actions, and place the needs of their team above their own. Those lessons have guided me throughout my career in law enforcement, public safety, education, and leadership development. The Marine Corps taught me that mission accomplishment and taking care of people are not competing priorities—they are both essential to success.

How has your experience with Denver Public Schools prepared you to be Sheriff?

My experience with Denver Public Schools has strengthened my understanding of modern public school safety challenges. I have helped lead safety operations, critical incident response, and multi-agency coordination across one of Colorado's largest school districts. This role requires collaboration with law enforcement, educators, parents, community organizations, and government partners. It has reinforced the importance of communication, prevention, relationship-building, and preparedness—skills that are essential for an effective Sheriff.

Why should voters choose you over other candidates?

Voters should choose the candidate they believe has the leadership, vision, and experience to guide the Sheriff's Office into the future. My background combines military service, law enforcement leadership, school safety, higher education, organizational development, executive coaching, and community engagement. Throughout my career, I have focused on developing people, strengthening organizations, and building trust. I am committed to restoring trust, reforming through leadership, and re-engaging our communities while preparing the Sheriff's Office for the challenges of tomorrow.

What is your leadership philosophy?

My leadership philosophy is simple:

“Leadership is not just leading—it is inspiring others to achieve the extraordinary.”

I believe leadership is about service, accountability, and helping others succeed. Strong leaders create environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to perform at their best. My focus has always been on developing people, building trust, and creating organizations that are stronger because of the people who serve within them.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?

While I am proud of the positions I have held and the programs I have helped develop, my greatest accomplishment has been helping others succeed and building strong partnerships within the communities I have served.

Throughout my career, I have mentored future leaders, supported employee development, and worked alongside community members, schools, businesses, and partner organizations to solve problems and improve public safety. I believe leadership is not measured by personal accomplishments, but by the positive impact you have on people, the partnerships you build, and the success of those you help

What challenges have you faced as a leader, and what did you learn from them?

One of the greatest challenges facing any leader is navigating change while maintaining trust and organizational effectiveness. Throughout my career, I have led teams through critical incidents, organizational transitions, staffing shortages, budget constraints, and evolving community expectations. These experiences taught me that communication, transparency, and involving people in the process are essential. I learned that leadership is not about having all the answers—it is about bringing people together to find solutions.

How would you address violent crime?

Violent crime is personal to my family. As an 11-year-old boy, my family was held hostage, and years later my wife was working as a bank teller during a robbery when the suspect was shot and killed in front of her. Those experiences taught us that violent crime affects real people, families, and communities.

Violent crime requires a focused and collaborative approach. As Sheriff, I will support proactive enforcement efforts, strengthen partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, and ensure deputies have the training, resources, and leadership needed to be proactive, investigate, and respond to violent crime while keeping our communities safe.

What is the biggest public safety issue facing Jefferson County?

One of the biggest public safety challenges facing Jefferson County is maintaining community trust while preparing for evolving threats while budgets get tighter. Public safety today requires strong partnerships, proactive problem-solving, and a Sheriff's Office that is committed to transparency, accountability, and community engagement. It requires an active, boots on the ground leadership that is willing to step out and engage with the officers doing the work and to be willing to have the tough conversations with the team and the community.

What is your plan for reducing property crime?

Reducing property crime starts with prevention, visibility, and community involvement. I will work to strengthen relationships with neighborhoods, businesses, and community organizations while supporting data-driven enforcement strategies that target repeat offenders and address the underlying conditions that contribute to crime. A major part of deterring crime is the partnership and communication process between law enforcement and the community.