I grew up in Oregon with a deep appreciation for our diverse and beautiful natural spaces. After graduating from high school in the city of Bend, I went on to attend Willamette University and earn a BA in History and Political Science. After a couple years working as a baker, I returned to Willamette University College of Law to earn my JD. During law school, I started my land use career by clerking for the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.

Helping to Shape our Community
In 1997, I took a position with the land use staff at Metro, the regional government in the Portland area that manages the urban growth boundary. I was responsible for defending Metro's first urban reserve decision in the late 1990s. During that same time, I shepherded a landmark regional riparian protection ordinance through Metro's process and later defended that decision. In the early 2000s, Metro expanded the urban growth boundary and I was again tapped to write findings supporting that decision. Through my work at Metro, I feel privileged to have participated in shaping how we can best grow our economy and create jobs, while also preserving farmland and green spaces. 

Running a Small Business
Prior to joining the Oregon Legislature, I established and ran my own solo law practice. One of my primary practice areas included serving as a land use and code enforcement hearings officer for cities and counties around the state. I worked to ensure that all of my land use decision were thoughtful, fair, and legally sound, and I take pride in the nearly perfect record of my decisions being affirmed by Oregon courts. As an attorney, I have also worked with local residents to stand up to development projects that would hurt our community.