Home: Plainwell, MI. Age: 57. Birthplace: Kalamazoo, MI. Profession: Public safety executive (Police, Fire, EMS, Security). Organization: University of Michigan Health System, Michigan Medicine. Title: Senior Director of Public Safety and Security. Alma mater: Ferris State University (BS Criminal Justice); Western Michigan University (Masters Public Administration).
Current project: Developing workplace violence prevention training for clinical staff, based on three principals: situational awareness, proxemics, de-escalation. Latest accomplishment: Created first of its kind home health safety training (Rapid Environmental Assessment and Control Training) for clinical staff who deliver care in the home. Hobbies: Licensed helicopter pilot and fixed wing pilot. Boating, snowmobiling, travel. Recent travel or adventure: Traveling to Dubai in September where I will give a speech on workplace violence prevention in healthcare. Last book read: Personal Threat Management, by Philip Grindell.
Personality profile: Passionate, adventurous, fun-loving. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Driven. Moral compass: I always ask myself three questions: What did I know? When did I know it? What did I do about it? How do you define a perfect friendship? Trust, mutual respect, shared values. What is your greatest joy? Being able to help people in their time of need. What is your greatest fear? I am claustrophobic. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Literally.
What was your first paying job? At a mobile gas station pumping gas and fixing flat tires. What was your favorite college course? Industrial Psychology. What book have you repeatedly read? Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps' Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life, by Patrick Van Horne and Jason Riley. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Photos of family and friends and our amazing times. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Let the moment breathe. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Cell phones.
What is your big idea?
Develop tactical safety training for home healthcare workers to help ensure their safety during home visits.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? I am working to obtain my PSP (Physical Security Professional) certification. What message do you want to send out into the world? 73% of all workplace violence occurs in a healthcare setting. We need to develop safety programs to help keep them safe.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? It’s a Wonderful Life. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Matthew McConaughey. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A police officer and firefighter. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t worry so much. Things always work out.
Personal mission: Ensuring people are safe and, just as importantly, feel safe. Personal motto: The difference between good and great is a little extra effort.
