Meet Mike

I was born at Offutt Air Force Base in eastern Nebraska, where my father retired as a Lieutenant
Colonel in the United States Air Force. I lived in Nebraska until I was thirteen, when my father’s
second career brought our family to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. As a young man, I was
active in Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Scouting helped shape my early
understanding of discipline, leadership, and service — values that continue to guide me today.

After high school, I attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. I joined Air Force ROTC and
earned my bachelor’s degree with a double major in Philosophy and Political Science. Upon
graduation, I was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Air Force. I was later stationed at
Fairchild Air Force Base which ultimately brought me to the Spokane area. I chose to attend
Gonzaga University School of Law after separating from the Air Force. During law school, I
worked as a 911 operator for Spokane County, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges
facing our community and the importance of calm, rational decision-making under pressure.

My legal career began in private practice in Spokane Valley. Shortly thereafter, I was hired as an
Assistant City Prosecutor for the City of Spokane, where I served for eight years, including as
the prosecutor assigned to the Veteran’s Court. In 2016, I was appointed as a Commissioner for
Spokane Municipal Court, and I will celebrate ten years of service to the Court and our
community this May.

While in college, I met my wife, Jennifer. We got engaged in the Japanese Garden at Manito
Park during one of her visits to Spokane. Jennifer and I have lived in Spokane County for nearly
thirty years. We are grateful to be part of a close-knit family, with nine nieces and nephews —
most of whom now call Spokane home. We also had the privilege of serving as foster parents to
two young siblings for two years until they found their forever home. And yes, we share our
home with Murphy, who we believe is the “goodest boy” in the world.