I’m the Director of Public Affairs. My job involves safeguarding and enhancing Amherst College’s reputation, as well as working with my talented staff and others on campus to seek out stories that convey Amherst College’s excellence and core values to various constituencies, including prospective students, alumni, the local community and the world at large. We do this through various platforms, including the College’s Web site, Amherst Magazine, social media such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr and story pitches targeted to leading media outlets.

What does a typical day at work entail?

There is no typical day, which is why my job is so interesting. One day I might be interviewing a faculty member about his or her research. Another day might involve brainstorming story ideas for the College homepage or Amherst Magazine with my staff. Another day might find me on the sidelines of the Amherst-Williams football game, shooting the last few minutes of the game with a Flip camera and posting it to the College’s YouTube channel (view the clip here: www.bit.ly/4qnf6Q)!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in various locales, including Gardner, Mass., Syracuse, N.Y., Sycamore and DeKalb, Ill. and Salzburg, Austria.

What was your childhood like?

I’m the second of five children, two boys and three girls, and we did a lot together without much parental supervision. When I was nine, we all spent the year in Salzburg, Austria, where my father taught art courses, and I became fluent in German by attending the local school. Back in Illinois, there was a lot of art and music in our house. There was much fun and games with neighborhood children as well, playing pickup games of basketball, baseball and football.

How did you end up in Amherst?

I had heard many positive things about Amherst College over the years, first from relatives who attended school here, and then in my position as a communications consultant for colleges, universities, nonprofits, foundations and think tanks. When I was approached about the Public Affairs position, I whole-heartedly embraced and pursued this exciting opportunity.

What is your family like?

My wife, Katharina, is a ceramics artist who teaches art courses at Keene State College. She’s from Austria and I met her as a college student in Vienna. I have two sons: Max, who’s 22 and living in Burlington, Vt., where he just graduated from college, and Jakob, who’s 16 and a junior in high school.

Do you have any pets?

I’m currently in a pet-free phase, but when our boys were younger, at various times we had two cats, a black lab, several chickens, a rooster and a swarm of honeybees.

What is your favorite place in the world?

I’m fortunate to have visited many interesting and beautiful places, but hiking and skiing in the Austrian Alps with family and friends is tough to beat.

Do you have a favorite Val meal?

While I enjoy many of Val’s offerings, I most appreciate the salad bar with its array of fresh greens and veggies.

What is your favorite thing about Amherst College?

I’d have to say the blend of interesting, capable and collaborative people — including students, faculty, staff and alumni — whom I’m fortunate to be able to meet and interact with, against the backdrop of a beautiful campus.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Well, I did learn to yodel when I was in Austria, though it’s been a while since I’ve subjected anyone to my signature song.

What is your favorite hobby or activity?

I embrace whatever outdoor activities the New England seasons have to offer — sailing, cycling, swimming and kayaking when it’s warm; hiking, skating, downhill and cross country skiing when it’s not. I also enjoy reading, listening to music, writing, photography and traveling.

Do you have a daily routine before and after work?

Before work, I can usually be found at or around Alumni Gym, running outside if weather permits, swimming or engaging in other cardio activities if not.

What period of your life do you wish you could relive?

There are times when I wish I could go back in time and spend more time hanging out with my two sons. But they may very well say, “Dad, we think we saw just about enough of you!”

How many years have you worked at Amherst?

I began working here in September 2008.

What positions did you hold before Amherst?

I worked as a freelance writer in Vienna, Austria, and as a newspaper reporter in Illinois, covering higher education, state government, crime and human interest stories at in Charleston and Champaign-Urbana. I also worked as a correspondent for the Associated Press on an Arthur Burns Fellowship in Berlin, Germany. In 1997, I moved to Keene, N.H., to work at Gehrung Associates, the nation’s first firm to serve the marketing and communications needs of higher education institutions. I began there as an account executive and left as vice president, with responsibilities that included business development, client support and staff management.

What is your favorite memory of being at Amherst?

The past year has been one of the most eventful in the College’s recent history, and there have been many memorable moments. Convocation on my first day on the job will always remain with me, as will Commencement Day, when the weather cooperated just long enough for a wonderful ceremony to take place!