Self-employed as a private consultant in the environmental and energy businesses. Represent environmental engineering company to Indiana private sector business and local government officials.

Executive, Koester Companies, Inc., Evansville, IN, 1984-2000

Joined company as Vice President of coal mining subsidiary and ultimately promoted to corporate Vice President of Business Development. Helped grow company from $12 million to $94 million in annual revenue with payroll of 700 employees. Other responsibilities with the organization included:

• President, Koester Mining, Inc.: chief executive officer of underground coal
mining subsidiary
• President, Koester Services, Inc.
• Vice President of Vigo Coal Company, Inc.

Senior Geologist, Standard Oil Company, Petersburg, IN 1979-1984

Field Geologist, AMAX Coal Company, Indianapolis, IN 1975-1979


Political Experience:

Candidate for Republican Nomination, Indiana Secretary of State, 2002

Twice Elected Vanderburgh County Commissioner, 1994 & 1998

Veteran of two successful campaigns against democrat opponents in Indiana’s seventh largest county, historically a democrat stronghold. Endorsed by local newspapers and pro-business groups.

Republican Nominee for U.S. Congress, Indiana’s Eighth District, 1990 & 1992

Chosen as Republican challenger to incumbent democrat Representative Frank McCloskey in Indiana’s notorious “Bloody Eighth” District. Received 108,054 votes, or over 45% of the vote, against three opponents in a tough Republican year. Raised $350,000 in 1992. Endorsed by numerous pro-business and pro-family organizations, as well as several district newspapers.

Secretary, Vanderburgh County Republican Central Committee, 1993-1994


Record as a Local Elected Official:

Commissioner, Vanderburgh County Commission, 1995-2002; President, 1997

Served as county executive officer for Indiana’s seventh largest county charged
with oversight of $130 million budget. In this position, dealt with tough local issues such
as jail overcrowding, air quality, planning, and zoning. Worked to bring a “business
oriented” system of goals and accountability to county government. Served as:

• President, Solid Waste Management District
• Member, Area Planning Commission
• President, Vanderburgh County Zoning Board
• Member, Evansville Urban Transportation Board
• Member, Southwest Indiana Regional Air Quality Advisory Committee
• President, Vanderburgh County Drainage Board


Community and Civic Involvement (past and present):

IMPACT Ministries, an inner city tutoring and life skills program, Steering Committee & Founding Member

Vanderburgh County Welfare-to-Work Planning Council, Member of Board of Directors

Southwestern Indiana Mental Health Board, Board Member

ARK Crisis Nursery, organization established to remove children from domestic abuse environments, Board Member

Evansville Area Retarded Citizens, Board of Directors

Christian Fellowship Church Bolivian “Berlin District” Ministry, group established to aid impoverished communities in South America through mission trips, Board Member

Sunday School Teacher, Christian Fellowship Church

Bachelor of Science Degree (Natural Systems, combined degree in Biology, Geology, and Chemistry), Defiance College, Defiance, Ohio, 1973

Licensed Professional Geologist #2106

Aviation: Private pilot since 1979 with Instrument Rating and 2000+ hours experience

Running: Finisher, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004 Chicago Marathons and 1999 & 2005 Marine Corps Marathons, Washington, DC