I graduated in 1987 with a B.S. degree in forestry from the University of Kentucky. After a short work detail with the U.S. Forest Service in the Daniel Boone National Forest, I worked the next 21 plus years with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. As a Division forester, I worked with private landowners throughout north-central Kentucky assisting them with their forestry related needs. During my time as a field forester, I performed hundreds of forest inventories while developing forest management plans. I also marked millions of board feet of timber for private landowners. Later in my Division career, I served as the District Forester in the Bluegrass District. In this capacity, I was responsible for all district personnel and ensuring all Division of Forestry programs were performed.