About Me

My name is Van and I have spent most of my life in public service. I followed a family tradition when I entered the military at 17, where I served on multiple continents. I obtained my post-secondary education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Saint Edwards University; a Masters of Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs; and a Masters of Science in Community and Regional Planning from the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin.

I have a wealth of experience in project management, public affairs, advocating/ lobbying, public policy, economics, history, and am a former small business owner.

Family is a  big part of my life.  It is a great counterbalance to work and life stressors. I’m also a big traveler and have been to five of the seven continents.  It is a great way to see different cultures and experience life in new ways. 

I’m a big fan of extreme sports and enjoy scuba diving through sunken wrecks and jumping out of planes.

You’ll often see me with my best bud Winston. He’s a well trained, hypo-allergenic Golden-doodle and my service dog.