My Story
I was born and raised in Scottsdale, giving me a perspective shaped by having lived through much of the city’s most significant growth, including a period when our population tripled. My first restaurant experience as a baby was at the beloved Sugar Bowl in Old Town Scottsdale. Long before the Loop 101 existed, commuting across the city looked very different—horse ranches were a common sight, many of which have since given way to thoughtfully designed master-planned communities like the iconic McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch. As a kid, weekends were spent browsing Los Arcos Mall and the Tuscan-inspired Borgata Shopping Center, visiting Rawhide Western Town, and enjoying trips to El Pedregal in North Scottsdale. As a teenager, I witnessed the creation of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve—a defining achievement that reflects Scottsdale’s commitment to open space, preserving 47 square miles of our incredible Sonoran Desert.
I was born and raised in Scottsdale, giving me a perspective shaped by having lived through much of the city’s most significant growth, including a period when our population tripled. My first restaurant experience as a baby was at the beloved Sugar Bowl in Old Town Scottsdale. Long before the Loop 101 existed, commuting across the city looked very different—horse ranches were a common sight, many of which have since given way to thoughtfully designed master-planned communities like the iconic McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch. As a kid, weekends were spent browsing Los Arcos Mall and the Tuscan-inspired Borgata Shopping Center, visiting Rawhide Western Town, and enjoying trips to El Pedregal in North Scottsdale. As a teenager, I witnessed the creation of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve—a defining achievement that reflects Scottsdale’s commitment to open space, preserving 47 square miles of our incredible Sonoran Desert.
I am proud to be a member of the first graduating classes of Anasazi Elementary School and Desert Mountain High School. At sixteen, I held my first job at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort in the Resort Corridor along Scottsdale Road. That experience provided early, firsthand exposure to Scottsdale’s tourism industry and a clear understanding of the vital role it plays in shaping our economy, landscape, and identity.
My commitment to Scottsdale is not just rooted in my past—it continues through my family. My three children were born and raised here and attended Scottsdale public schools. Two are currently enrolled at Chaparral High School, and one attends Arizona State University. My parents, two of my four siblings, and much of my extended family also call Scottsdale home.
The very qualities that make Scottsdale exceptional for residents and attractive to visitors—our livability, prosperity, and distinctive character—have come under attack in recent years. These attacks have led to a dilution of the quality of life residents expect and the experience visitors seek.
With the potential for further exploitation of Scottsdale, I am uniquely qualified—through my lifelong connection to this city and my professional experience—to stand up and save it. We are at a crossroads. Scottsdale can continue down a path of mediocrity and become Anywhere USA, or we can build on our strengths and ensure it remains the world-class city it has always been—a superior place to live, work, and raise a family.
I am proud to be a member of the first graduating classes of Anasazi Elementary School and Desert Mountain High School. At sixteen, I held my first job at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort in the Resort Corridor along Scottsdale Road. That experience provided early, firsthand exposure to Scottsdale’s tourism industry and a clear understanding of the vital role it plays in shaping our economy, landscape, and identity.
My commitment to Scottsdale is not just rooted in my past—it continues through my family. My three children were born and raised here and attended Scottsdale public schools. Two are currently enrolled at Chaparral High School, and one attends Arizona State University. My parents, two of my four siblings, and much of my extended family also call Scottsdale home.
The very qualities that make Scottsdale exceptional for residents and attractive to visitors—our livability, prosperity, and distinctive character—have come under attack in recent years. These attacks have led to a dilution of the quality of life residents expect and the experience visitors seek.
With the potential for further exploitation of Scottsdale, I am uniquely qualified—through my lifelong connection to this city and my professional experience—to stand up and save it. We are at a crossroads. Scottsdale can continue down a path of mediocrity and become Anywhere USA, or we can build on our strengths and ensure it remains the world-class city it has always been—a superior place to live, work, and raise a family.