What’s your academic background?
I have a B.A. in chemistry (’87) and a B.S. in radiologic science (’12) from UNC-Chapel Hill, and an M.B.A. in management (’15) from Wayland Baptist University.
Who inspires you?
Not an individual, but I’m most inspired by people who stand up for what is right, no matter the personal cost.
What was the best concert you ever attended?
U2 at Kenan Stadium, UNC-Chapel Hill, April 1983. Just me and 4,000 other people dancing in the rain to a new band from Ireland… had no idea what they would become. Pink Floyd in 1987 was a close second.
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
I don’t think I have a single favorite place, but Roan Mountain, NC, Emerald Isle, NC and in the sky above Alaska all rank up there.
If you could be any animal, which would you be?
That’s easy, I’m a Leo so I would be a lion.
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I finished was Next Stop Execution, the autobiography of Oleg Gordievsky, a Russian KGB officer who spied for MI6. Very interesting book about someone who never asked to be paid for the intelligence he provided, and it was extremely valuable information.
I’m currently reading Eisenhower’s Spy by Noel Hynd, an historical fiction about an FBI turned CIA agent set in post-war Spain.
If I’m reading for entertainment its almost always going to be historical fiction with an espionage theme, or true crime. I also like reading about 20th century history, particularly past presidents. In today’s climate I I think it is really important to have context to understand how we got where we are today.
What’s your favorite movie?
The Best Years of Our Lives. Although it was made just a few years after the actual events it depicted, it is a very powerful commentary on post-traumatic stress disorder and what the World War II generation carried with them silently for the rest of their lives.
What are you currently watching on Netflix?
I watch a lot of old documentaries and history shows, but I also indulge my love of forensic science and watch a lot of shows like Forensic Files and true crime. I have not watched Tiger King.
Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
If I could swap places with anyone I think it would be Harry Truman on the day he became President.
If you could visit anywhere in the world you’ve never been, where would you go?
I think Portugal, or maybe Croatia, or Peru. Do I have to pick just one?
What’s your secret talent that no one knows about?
I haven’t tested this talent in a while, but I have been recognized for my ability to memorize extensive databases of information, on more than one occasion.
If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Midnight blue or pine green. I could never decide which one when I was 3.
Who is your least favorite superhero?
I have no idea, I’ll have to ask my son.
If you could visit anywhere in the world you’ve never been, where would you go?
Ooooh, I get to pick again?
