Our Stories

I’m the youngest of five, so between all my nieces and nephews out in Colorado, I’m always traveling. My life and career has taken me from Denver to Detroit to Hilton Head, and now The Admiral at the Lake is home base. When the weather’s good, you’ll find me on the golf course. When it’s not, I’m in an art class or volunteering in The Harbors. I never sit still for long, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Being a grandfather is one of my greatest joys. I was born and raised on the north side of Chicago, so being a Bears and Cubs fan runs deep. After 40 years as an executive search consultant and author of “The Right CEO”, I ‘rewired’ as an oil painter more than 20 years ago, and now I get to paint in studios in Tucson, AZ, The Fine Arts Building in Chicago and teach right here at The Admiral’s Creative Arts Studio. Every day I’m surrounded by inspiration, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

With roots in Boston and Rochester, I spent my career in libraries and information services, from academic business schools to banking here in Chicago. These days you’ll find me making art, mostly mixed media on paper, or at the mahjongg table. I’m an active member of the Art Committee, too. There’s always a friend nearby and something to look forward to.

I’ve worn a lot of hats: high school teacher, state and federal official, manager at AT&T, and business process consultant. My favorite chapter, though, was designing leather handbags made in Egypt. I’ve always had an eye for beautiful things and a love of art, reading, and travel. From Denver to Washington, D.C., to The Admiral at the Lake, life has taken me some wonderful places, and I still savor every bit of it.

I served four years in the Air Force, spent 20 years in banking here in Chicago, and another 20 on the pastoral staff at Fourth Presbyterian. Travel has always been in my blood: many trips to Britain and two years living in West Africa. Now I teach English as a second language at the nearby South East Asia Center, and I still love a good long walk. After all these years, I’ve learned to always appreciate the view.

We’re both Elgin kids and high school sweethearts, and family has always been at the center of our lives. Judy spent 12 years as a television producer at CBS, and Tom built his career at Nuveen with a lifelong passion for classic cars. Between our sons and grandchildren, there’s always someone to visit.