Gary was born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He received a BA Degree from Carthage College, a MS in Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee and MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Parkside. Gary spent thirty-eight (38) years in water treatment R&D and operations management which included industrial influent, process water, water reuse, industrial effluent treatment, municipal drinking water and municipal wastewater treatment.

What inspired me to join the board:
I have been coming to Vilas County since the 1950’s and specifically to Rock Lake in Winchester since my parents built a cottage in 1958. After retiring from a career in environmental management in 2016 and becoming a full-time area resident with my wife, Barbara, I became involved in the Turtle Lakes Chain Association and the Winchester Town Lakes Committee as a Rock Lake Representative. The NLDC became a natural extension of his desire to give back to the community, to foster environmental education/appreciation in future generations as well as with adults who may not have had the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature in their lives growing up.

How I connect with the natural world:
My connection to and education about the natural world began at an early age with active participation in the Scouting Program where I was exposed to the natural environment while hiking, camping, canoeing and fishing in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. This love of the outdoors continued through my professional career focused on water management and continues today as my family continues to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. We have also expanded our connections with the natural world through educational programs at the NLDC and becoming involved in a number of Citizen Monitoring Programs including water quality, Clean Boats Clean Water (CBCW) Inspections and Bat Monitoring to name a few.