I was appointed El Paso County Public Trustee on February 1, 2008, the day after I retired from a 20-year career in the United States Air Force that included service in Baghdad during the Iraq War. I strive to ensure that the Public Trustee’s Office exemplifies the same values instilled by the Air Force: Integrity, Service, and Excellence. If you have any concerns about how this office conducts its business, please let me know at comments@elpasopublictrustee.com.

While in the Air Force, my primary duties were to manage the development of aircraft, missile, and information systems. While stationed at Wright-Patterson Brooks, and Randolph Air Force Bases, my responsibilities included developing standards to ensure that nuclear targeting software had not been altered, evaluating the safety of wiring on the Air Force One, resolving chemical hazards that shut down cruise missile maintenance, testing emissions from aircraft engines, evaluating alternative fuels for ground support equipment, and ensuring the overall suitability of the software, hardware, and networks associated with the newest Air Force Training aircraft, the T-6A. I also taught various aspects of political science at the United States Air Force Academy, earning awards for teaching and research. The Air Force sent me to The Ohio State University, where I earned my Ph.D. in Political Science in 1996.

In 2004, I volunteered to spend four months in Baghdad in the strategy and plans division at Headquarters, MultiNational Force-Iraq. Among other duties, I led the inter-agency review of the Campaign Plan, assessed our preparedness for surprise attacks launched by our enemies, and analyzed Iraqi politics in anticipation of the country’s first democratic elections in January 2005. Lessons learned by my colleagues and me form the basis of one of my three published books.

I grew up in West Lafayette, Indiana, but have wanted to live in Colorado Springs since I visited three times on my way to Philmont Scout Ranch. I have lived here since 2000, currently in Briargate with my wife, Leslie Wirpsa, who is the Development Director at the Catamount Institute.  Both daughters are in college, one in Miami and the other in Hawai'i.  My volunteer activities include leading the local effort within the Colorado Mountain Club to conserve the recreational potential of the Rampart East Roadless Area, north and west of Palmer Lake; serving on the Community Advisory Committee of the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments; participating on the Economic Vision Council of the Quality of Life Indicators project, and helping Catamount Institute with its programs.