About

I was born at West Point, and raised in Orange County’s Black Dirt region. Growing up working our family farm as a fourth-generation onion grower in Pine Island, I learned the value of honest work, a job well done, and following through on commitments. Today I run the same Pine Island farm in partnership with my father John, raising onions, winter squash, pumpkins, corn and soybeans in the heart of the County.

Through my involvement with various organizations I've demonstrated my ability to lead and cultivated our community's trust over the years. I've taken on leadership roles in several agricultural organizations, representing our farming sector on important local issues such as drainage and flood control on the Wallkill River, as well as labor and regulatory matters.

I've been a vocal advocate on agricultural issues in both Albany and Washington; through this hard work I've taught myself not only how to navigate government and politics, but also how to avoid letting myself become a part of the political machine.

Through my work with the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce I've worked to promote our local businesses, and to support Chamber events and initiatives such as the Black Dirt Feast, the Pine Island Farmers Market, and the Pumpkin Fest. I have also been involved with the Florida Chamber of Commerce as well as the Warwick Chamber of Commerce. As a legislator I have had the opportunity to attend many ribbon cuttings and other events at our local businesses. This has given me the opportunity to not only support our local businesses but to see first hand all of the great contributions they make to our community and local economy.

I am an active member of the Town of Warwick Community Preservation Board, which advises the Town Board on allocating funds from the real estate transfer tax to preserve our farmland, parkland, and historic sites like the Seward homestead.

I'm a proud graduate of Warwick Valley High School, and have earned an associate degree from SUNY Cobleskill, with bachelor's and master's degrees from Cornell University.

ASSOCIATIONS:

• President, Orange County Vegetable Growers Association
• Chairman, Wallkill Valley Drainage Improvement Association
• Chairman, NYS Onion Industry Council
• Board of Directors, NYS Vegetable Growers Association
• Member, Town of Warwick Community Preservation Board

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES:

• Education and Economic Development, Chairman
• Physical Services
• Health and Mental Health

LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE TO:

• Orange County Cornell Cooperative Extension
• Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District Board
• Orange County Agriculture And Farmland Protection Board

Photo credit: Orange County Chamber of Commerce