Born 1962 in Kansas City, MO

Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri
Nominated by George W. Bush on November 15, 2007, to a seat vacated by Dean Whipple. Confirmed by the Senate on June 10, 2008, and received commission on June 19, 2008. Served as chief judge, 2014-2019.

Education:
Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University), B.S., 1985
University of Arkansas School of Law, J.D., 1987

Professional Career:

Private practice, Missouri, 1988-1989
Assistant public defender, Springfield, Missouri, 1989
Assistant prosecutor, Laclede County, Missouri, 1988-1991; chief assistant prosecutor, 1989-1991
Prosecutor, Laclede County, Missouri, 1991-1995
Adjunct faculty, Drury University, 1991-2004
Judge, Circuit Court of Missouri, Twenty-Sixth Judicial Circuit, 1995-2008; assocate circuit judge, 1995-2004; presiding judge, 2005-2008