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BEC Vision & About the Director

As Interim Executive Director of the Wyoming County Business Education Council, I am focused on strengthening the connection between education, workforce, and community—because in rural communities, those connections define our future.

I believe that career readiness is civic readiness. When students understand how their skills connect not only to careers, but to their role in their community, they are far more likely to stay, contribute, and lead locally. That belief drives my work and the direction of the BEC.

The BEC has a long-standing mission to connect schools and businesses in support of workforce development. Today, we are building on that foundation by expanding how students engage with real-world learning—through both career pathways and civic leadership experiences. This aligns directly with the BEC’s role in supporting CDOS standards and school-to-work experiences that make learning relevant and applied.

A key part of this work is the development of the GLOW Work & Learn Portal, which is designed to make career exploration, work-based learning, and employer engagement more accessible and coordinated across the region. This platform helps bridge the gap between classrooms and local opportunity—ensuring students can see and access pathways that exist right here in Wyoming County.

At the same time, we are intentionally expanding into civic learning through the Wyoming County Civic Action Fellowship. This initiative connects students directly with local government, public agencies, and community organizations to work on real challenges facing our county. This is not a simulation—students are actively researching issues, collaborating with leaders, and developing solutions that contribute to their communities.

This work directly supports the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness, providing the real-world application that many districts struggle to create, including service learning, civic action, and capstone experiences. In doing so, we are helping schools meet state expectations while giving students meaningful, place-based experiences.

This effort culminates in GLOW Serve & Lead, a regional event that brings together students, government, employers, and community organizations in a shared space focused on problem-solving, leadership, and opportunity. It transforms student work into a visible, community-connected experience and positions Wyoming County as a leader in regional civic and workforce development.

My role during this interim period is to stabilize and strengthen the BEC while expanding partnerships, programming, and long-term sustainability. That includes increasing engagement with local businesses, supporting educators in delivering real-world learning experiences, and building systems that make participation easier for all partners.

This work is fundamentally collaborative. It depends on strong relationships between schools, employers, and community leaders who share responsibility for preparing the next generation.

I am proud to be part of this effort and committed to ensuring that Wyoming County remains a place where students don’t just graduate—they see a future, a role, and a reason to stay and lead.

Professional Background & Personal Commitment

My path to this work began early. I knew in eighth grade that I wanted to become a social studies teacher, influenced in large part by my father’s passion for history. Growing up in Lewiston, New York—near Old Fort Niagara—I spent summers working as a historical military interpreter, bringing history to life for others. That experience shaped how I think about learning: it should be active, meaningful, and connected to place.

I went on to attend SUNY Geneseo, earning a degree in history with a minor in political science. While I considered a path in politics, education remained my primary focus because of its direct impact on students and communities.

In 2013, I began my teaching career at Holley Central School District, where I spent ten years teaching a wide range of courses including middle school social studies, Global History, Participation in Government, Economics, and electives we designed to better engage students. During that time, I helped develop and implement one of New York State’s original Seal of Civic Readiness pilot programs, an experience that deeply shaped my belief in project-based, community-connected learning.

Prior to my final year at Holley, I was selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Summer 2023 Teacher Ambassador Program, which further strengthened my understanding of workforce systems and the importance of connecting education to regional economic needs.

Over time, I began to think more broadly about the role of education—especially social studies—in preparing students not just academically, but as informed, engaged members of their communities. That led me to Genesee Valley BOCES in October 2023, where I expanded my work to support educators across districts, develop civic programming, and advocate for meaningful, real-world learning experiences. I currently serve as a full-time Coordinator of School Improvement serving our entire region in the realm of all things social studies.

At BOCES, I have worked to launch initiatives that recognize student civic engagement, support educators, and create space for meaningful dialogue—including regional recognition programs, professional learning networks, and opportunities that help students see the value of civic participation in their daily lives.

Beyond my professional role, I remain deeply connected to my community. I served as a town councilman until 2026, serve as a chair of our Historic Preservation Commission, and continue to coach track & field, and stay actively engaged in efforts that strengthen civic dialogue and local leadership.

At home, my most important role is being a husband and father. My wife, Alexandria, is also an educator, and together we are raising our two children, Ella Mae and Jack. Like many families in rural communities, we value time outdoors, community connections, and the opportunities that small towns provide.

This combination of experiences—classroom teaching, regional leadership, workforce engagement, and civic involvement—shapes how I approach this work every day.

I believe strongly that when students are given real opportunities to engage—with careers, with their communities, and with the challenges facing both—they are far more prepared not just for employment, but for leadership.

And in rural communities like ours, that leadership matters.