A resident of Surprise since 2003, Skip served on the Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission for three years and currently serves on the Sun Village Board of Directors as Treasurer.
Skip’s goals for the city include additional east-west road crossings over the Aqua Fria River, working with other transportation partners to expand Grand Avenue and attracting new businesses to Surprise.
He grew up in Idaho and received a business degree from Seattle University. Skip is a Vietnam War Veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star for his outstanding service 1969-1970.
Skip worked in the restaurant and lodging business for decades, opening restaurants in California, Oregon and Washington and earning a certification in Hotel Administration. He was involved in multi-unit management for two lodging chains and achieved the Best Practice Award from American Express and the National Lodging Institute.
He has worked with Junior Achievement, Veterans of Foreign Wars and is currently working with the U.S. Department of Education on testing programs for Arizona students. He has also taught community college courses on the hospitality business and restaurant and hotel management.
Skip and his wife Dale have been married for more than 36 years and have two daughters, a son and five grandchildren.
The Palo Verde District includes Coyote Lakes, Canyon Ridge West, Rose Garden, Sunflower Resort, Sun Village, Fox Hill Run, and the eastern portion of the city’s Original Townsite.
