Mary Lynn Stone is President and Co-Owner of NM Management II, LLC., a full-service real estate holding company based in Alexandria, Virginia. NM Management’s affiliated organizations provide residential and commercial real estate sales and service support across Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The company also offers on-site mortgage, title, insurance, and property management services, along with access to a global network of relocation service providers.

As the parent company of CENTURY 21 New Millennium, NM Management has established itself as a leader in the real estate industry. CENTURY 21 New Millennium has been ranked the #1 CENTURY 21® firm in the world five times based on sales volume, outperforming more than 14,000 independently owned and operated CENTURY 21 offices across 86 countries. With 1,000 agents across 23 locations in the national capital region, the firm consistently ranks at the top of the CENTURY 21 franchise network, with an estimated $3 billion in annual sales volume.

The company has been recognized as a Washington Post Top Workplace winner for eight consecutive years, clinching the #1 spot for large businesses. The brokerage has earned the Platinum Award from Anywhere® Leads Network (ALN) for 17 consecutive years, has been named to the President’s Club every year since its inception in 2020, and achieved Chairman’s Club recognition in both 2023 and 2024, which honors the top 1% of brokers in the Anywhere Leads Network (ALN). Additionally, the firm is a 12-time finalist and the 2013 winner of the prestigious ALN Masters Cup Award, presented to the #1 broker in the Anywhere Leads Network.

Mary Lynn grew up in a family-owned real estate business and has more than 30 years of experience in all facets of the real estate industry, from residential sales to franchise ownership. During that time, she has remained actively engaged in her Southern Maryland community. Her love of community and obvious leadership skills resulted in her appointment by former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening to serve on the state’s Economic Planning, Growth Management and Land Protection Committee. Soon thereafter, the St. Mary’s County Commissioners selected her to serve as an at-large member of the Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland—a position she still holds. Additionally, she is a former Director and active supporter of St. Mary’s Ryken High School in Leonardtown, Md.

Mary Lynn has channeled her passion for giving back into a powerful sense of community pride and support in all the company’s locations. Under her guidance, CENTURY 21 New Millennium has established successful annual fundraising events for a multitude of worthy organizations in the National Capitol area, including Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., for which her company is a corporate sponsor.

Mary Lynn is a past Director and REALTOR® of the Year for the Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS®, past President of the CENTURY 21 National Broker’s Communication Council for Va., Md., and D.C. In 2019, RISMedia inducted her into its Real Estate Newsmakers Hall of Fame, a distinction honoring industry figures whose enduring impact and news-making contributions have shaped real estate. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Marketing from the University of Maryland.

Mary Lynn and her husband, Joe, reside in Southern Maryland.

Todd A. Hetherington is the CEO and co-owner of NM Management II, LLC., a full-service real estate holding company based in Alexandria, Virginia. NM Management’s affiliated organizations provide residential and commercial real estate sales and service support across Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The company also offers on-site mortgage, title, insurance, and property management services, along with access to a global network of relocation service providers.

As the parent company of CENTURY 21 New Millennium, NM Management has established itself as a leader in the real estate industry. CENTURY 21 New Millennium has been ranked the #1 CENTURY 21® firm in the world five times based on sales volume, outperforming more than 14,000 independently owned and operated CENTURY 21 offices across 86 countries.

Under Todd’s leadership, CENTURY 21 New Millennium has expanded through strategic mergers, acquisitions, and leadership development, growing to a sales force of nearly 1,000 agents across 23 locations in the national capital region. The firm consistently ranks at the top of the CENTURY 21 franchise network, with an estimated $3 billion in annual sales volume.

The company has been recognized as a Washington Post Top Workplace winner for eight consecutive years, clinching the #1 spot for large businesses. The brokerage has earned the Platinum Award from Anywhere® Leads Network (ALN) for 17 consecutive years, has been named to the President’s Club every year since its inception in 2020, and achieved Chairman’s Club recognition in both 2023 and 2024, which honors the top 1% of brokers in the Anywhere Leads Network (ALN).  Additionally, the firm is a 12-time finalist and the 2013 winner of the prestigious ALN Masters Cup Award, presented to the #1 broker in the Anywhere Leads Network.

For the 12th consecutive year, Todd is part of the Swanepoel Power 200, ranking #116 among the most influential leaders in residential real estate. In 2019, RISMedia inducted him into its Real Estate Newsmakers Hall of Fame, a distinction honoring industry figures whose enduring impact and news-making contributions have shaped real estate.

JASON CARRIER

Jason Carrier is President of CENTURY 21 New Millennium, an Alexandria, Va., based real estate brokerage providing sales and service support to clients in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Pennsylvania. NM Real Estate Services, the parent company of CENTURY 21 New Millennium, also includes Select Lending Home Loans, Bay County Settlements, Capstone Insurance, CENTURY 21 Commercial New Millennium, NM Relocation Services, and NM Referrals, Inc.

In his role, Carrier focuses on growth through marketing, training, agent coaching, recruiting, and strategic acquisition opportunities. During his tenure with CENTURY 21 New Millennium, Carrier successfully recruited more than 450 agents into the C21NM family. Before his President role, he served as the EVP of Growth, where he worked alongside C21NM’s Branch Leaders to assist in recruiting, business planning and office growth opportunities. As a team during Jason’s most recent year in the EVP role (2023), the company recruited 275+ agents—a high-water mark for the firm in one year. Jason also worked closely with the company’s affiliated mortgage partner to assist in recruiting loan officers and integrating mortgage across all real estate activities within the company.

Jason was also the Branch Leader of the company’s McLean, Arlington, and Rockville branches. With more than $250M in annual sales volume steadily, the McLean branch was consistently among the top-10-producing offices within the CENTURY 21 franchise system worldwide.

Mr. Carrier entered the real estate industry in March 2002, joining Cendant Corporation as its Senior Director of Business Development. During that period, he worked as a liaison between PHH Mortgage and ERA Mortgage Development, which further developed his strong skills in operational management, mortgage development, systems training, and brokerage growth. Before joining New Millennium, Carrier directed a consulting team consisting of ERA’s Regional Vice Presidents and Business Consultants to deliver an operational review program, complete with an instruction manual, which resulted in selected ERA companies seeing a significant increase in growth and profit.

Jason earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Maryland, where he was a standout lacrosse player, and later played professionally from 2000-02. He coaches youth lacrosse and is an active promoter of community events including those supporting wounded military combat veterans.

Jason and his family live in Reston, Va.

HERB LISJAK

I was first licensed in to practice real estate in 1984 and began my career in my hometown of Naperville, Ill., a Chicago suburb where my sister still resides. In 1987, Prudential entered the residential real estate industry and I accepted a position in franchise development. Over the next 16 years, I successfully represented several of our industry’s best brands.

In 2003, I was given an opportunity to become a member of the leadership team of the most well-managed real estate firm I’ve encountered in my career. We are passionate, yet disciplined and forward-thinking. I learn every day and am graced by a culture where we choose the harder right over the easier wrong…always. I go to work with a genuine sense of pride to be a contributing member of our firm.

My firm, CENTURY 21 New Millennium, offers a full range of real estate service to include: Brokerage, Mortgage, Title, Escrow, Insurance, Relocation and Property Management. My focus as a Branch Leader is Agent Services. I strive to maintain a positive and energetic culture where agents, as independent contractors, celebrate success as individuals and as a team. New Millennium delivers state-of-the-industry tools, products and systems that keep our agents current with the latest technologies, strategies and marketing positions on an entirely variable-cost basis. As our mission statement declares, “We do everything in a manner which is fun, fair and profitable!”

Jeff Hetherington is Executive Vice President of Operations at NM Management, Inc. an Alexandria, Virginia-based company whose core services organization provides a complete range of real estate sales and service support to clients in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. NM Management, Inc. includes CENTURY 21 New Millennium, First County Mortgage Services, Bay County Title and Escrow, NM Commercial Services, NM Relocation, and NM Referrals, Inc. In his role, Hetherington focuses on efficiently executing all aspects of the company’s business practices.

In addition to serving as an EVP for NM Management, Inc., Jeff also serves as  CENTURY 21 New Millennium’s Director of Relocation, having stepped into that role in August 2015 to lead the company’s expansion of its relocation programs.  Prior to serving in this position, Jeff was Branch Leader of New Millennium’s Centreville, Virginia branch.  In his ten years of leadership, Jeff grew the Centreville branch to be the number one office in the number one CENTURY 21 firm in the world.  He assembled a world-class staff and hired and coached a team of professional REALTORs to unparalleled success, achieving the status of a top producing office within the CENTURY 21 franchise of approximately 7,700 offices worldwide.

Jeff began his career in the military as active duty in the United States Army, including service in the United States Army Reserves and Florida National Guard.  He retired as a Colonel and a General Officer position with the Florida National Guard after 28 years of service. His civilian career started in the financial services sector as Manager of Product Education for First Data Resources and Vice President of Training with Payment Systems for Credit Unions. He entered the real estate industry in 2004 when he became a REALTOR with CENTURY 21 New Millennium and by 2005 Jeff had achieved Top Producer status with over $7 million in gross sales volume.

Jeff earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Engineering at the United States Military Academy at West Point, an MBA in Finance at Prairie View A&M University, and a Masters of Strategic Studies degree from the United States Army War College.  Jeff and his wife, Lolly live in Fairfax County, Virginia and have two grown children, Michael and Linda; and 2 grandchildren. In his spare time, Jeff is active in his church and enjoys fishing and Duke basketball.

TOMMY HIGGINS

Tommy Higgins is the Executive Vice President of Culture & Training at NM Real Estate Services, an Alexandria, VA-based real estate firm serving Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. NM Real Estate Services, the parent company of CENTURY 21 New Millennium, also includes Select Lending Home Loans, Bay County Settlements, Capstone Insurance, CENTURY 21 Commercial New Millennium, NM Relocation Services, and NM Referrals, Inc.

Tommy ensures the company’s culture is reflected in its marketing, services, and special events. He also oversees agent training for CENTURY 21 New Millennium tools and systems, including continuing education.

Tommy began his career in finance and banking, holding senior management positions that enhanced business and financial operations. He entered real estate in 2002 as a dual-career agent with CENTURY 21 New Millennium’s Solomons (Md.) office. After two successful years, he became a full-time agent and Branch Leader of the La Plata (Md.) office in 2005. In 2013, he assumed leadership of the Waldorf (Md.) office following an acquisition and later merged the La Plata and Waldorf offices into a new White Plains (Md.) office in 2019. Under his leadership, CENTURY 21 New Millennium achieved the largest market share in Charles County, MD. In 2021, he took on additional responsibility for the California and Prince Frederick (Md.) offices, helping the Southern Maryland offices secure the largest market share in the region.

Tommy earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. He grew up in Quincy, Ill., on the Mississippi River. He has been with his husband since 1987 and is a dog lover with two large rescued labs, Tyson and Moka. He also has a passion for travel.

STEPHEN KARBELK

Stephen Karbelk is the Director of CENTURY 21 Commercial New Millennium, the commercial services platform supporting all offices and agents throughout our Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. offices. Since 1990, Stephen has been working full-time in the real estate business, selling all types of real estate, ranging from single-family homes to entire closed college campuses. His experience spans all types of real estate and auction transactions, including sales in over 34 states. Stephen has managed the sale of large residential and commercial portfolios for lenders and government agencies as well as sold just about any type of property for multiple courts around the country. Stephen is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, Turnaround Management Association, American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees. He is a recognized real estate expert in fiduciary sales. Additionally, Stephen manages RealMarkets, a CENTURY 21 New Millennium team, that consistently earns the GRAND CENTURION® ranking. Stephen is also a member of the CENTURION® Honor Society.

Under his leadership, CENTURY 21 Commercial New Millennium has grown significantly in its sales and leasing volume. In 2022, CENTURY 21 Commercial New Millennium was ranked among the top 21 commercial brokerages within the CENTURY 21 Commercial system.

Stephen lives in Belmont Country Club, Ashburn, Va., with his dog, Picasso, a Coton du Tulear. Stephen’s daughter, Samantha, graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in Mass Communications for Professional Media. Samantha provides marketing services for CENTURY 21 Commercial New Millennium and RealMarkets, plus other clients that she supports.

JACK SHOPTAW

Jack Shoptaw assumed leadership of the Washington, D.C., branch of CENTURY 21 New Millennium in September 2016. CENTURY 21 New Millennium, consistently ranked among the top real estate organizations in the United States regardless of brand, has offices throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, offering a full range of residential and commercial real estate sales and services. Jack brings a wealth of real estate knowledge and experiences from more than 25 years in a wide range of real estate roles in mortgage lending, new home sales, marketing, and advertising. He is a licensed REALTOR® in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.

Mr. Shoptaw began his career as a loan originator and processor while attending the University of Maryland, College Park. He subsequently became a sales representative for Washington Homes prior to it being purchased by K. Hovnanian Homes. Hard work and demonstrated competencies in that position resulted in his selection to be Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Richmond American Homes. While there, he had oversight responsibility for more than 70 communities in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. In 2000, Mr. Shoptaw received the President’s Award from the National Association of Home Builders for his support and dedication to the real estate industry.

In 2002, Jack opened his own full-service marketing agency in Georgetown, where he successfully directed brand and sales management strategies for many of the industry’s most recognizable builders and real estate companies across the country.

Jack grew up in the area and now resides in Old Town Alexandria, VA with his two children.

Jeff Hetherington is Executive Vice President of Operations at NM Management, Inc. an Alexandria, Virginia-based company whose core services organization provides a complete range of real estate sales and service support to clients in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. NM Management, Inc. includes CENTURY 21 New Millennium, First County Mortgage Services, Bay County Title and Escrow, NM Commercial Services, NM Relocation, and NM Referrals, Inc. In his role, Hetherington focuses on efficiently executing all aspects of the company’s business practices.

In addition to serving as an EVP for NM Management, Inc., Jeff also serves as  CENTURY 21 New Millennium’s Director of Relocation, having stepped into that role in August 2015 to lead the company’s expansion of its relocation programs.  Prior to serving in this position, Jeff was Branch Leader of New Millennium’s Centreville, Virginia branch.  In his ten years of leadership, Jeff grew the Centreville branch to be the number one office in the number one CENTURY 21 firm in the world.  He assembled a world-class staff and hired and coached a team of professional REALTORs to unparalleled success, achieving the status of a top producing office within the CENTURY 21 franchise of approximately 7,700 offices worldwide.

Jeff began his career in the military as active duty in the United States Army, including service in the United States Army Reserves and Florida National Guard.  He retired as a Colonel and a General Officer position with the Florida National Guard after 28 years of service. His civilian career started in the financial services sector as Manager of Product Education for First Data Resources and Vice President of Training with Payment Systems for Credit Unions. He entered the real estate industry in 2004 when he became a REALTOR with CENTURY 21 New Millennium and by 2005 Jeff had achieved Top Producer status with over $7 million in gross sales volume.

Jeff earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Engineering at the United States Military Academy at West Point, an MBA in Finance at Prairie View A&M University, and a Masters of Strategic Studies degree from the United States Army War College.  Jeff and his wife, Lolly live in Fairfax County, Virginia and have two grown children, Michael and Linda; and 2 grandchildren. In his spare time, Jeff is active in his church and enjoys fishing and Duke basketball.

LANE ERRINGTON

Lane Errington is Vice President of Marketing for CENTURY 21 New Millennium—the five-time No. 1 CENTURY 21 firm in the world—supporting 27 branch locations and 1,000+ agents and staff across Maryland, Virginia and D.C. Prior to joining C21NM, Lane led content marketing efforts for USA Lacrosse, where he played a transformational role in evolving the USA Lacrosse and USA Lacrosse Magazine brands through digital media, and collaborated with partners including Nike, Under Armour and Marriott. His focus areas included social media, video production, web design and editorial strategy. He is a member of the board of directors for the Tewaaraton Foundation, presenters of college lacrosse’s most prestigious individual honor, the Tewaaraton Award. He has worked with and alongside sports organizations including University of Maryland Athletics, USA Hockey, USA Rugby, ATP Tour, PGA, and Octagon.

Lane earned his master’s from Georgetown University’s Sports Industry Management Program with a concentration in Strategic Marketing, Communications, and New Media. He graduated from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business in 2009 with degrees in Marketing and Supply Chain Management. He currently serves as adjunct faculty to the Georgetown SIM Master’s program and works with graduate students as a Capstone advisor and guest lecturer. Following stops in D.C. and Baltimore, Lane resides in St. Mary’s County, Md., with his wife and two young children.

Wendy Dean is an active, top producing Real Estate Agent and serves as Vice President, Branch Leader, and Supervisory Broker for our McLean and Arlington offices. Wendy began her real estate career in 2013 after practicing law for 16 years, following her graduation from Vanderbilt University School of Law.

She holds Broker’s licenses in DC, Maryland, and Virginia and has consistently delivered exceptional service to both buyers and sellers. Wendy has held leadership roles including Managing and Principal Broker for Keller Williams Arlington, and she previously managed the Arlington and Burtonsville offices at Samson Properties. She is an active leader in the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR), serving on the Professional Standards and Arbitration Committee, and contributing to the Ombudsman and Mediation Programs. With formal training in negotiation and mediation from the Harvard Program on Negotiation and Pepperdine University, Wendy brings expertise in advocacy and conflict resolution.

She draws on her legal background and extensive real estate experience to help clients navigate transactions smoothly and successfully. Wendy brings with her a strong background in leadership and a passion for supporting agents and clients alike. While she no longer practices law (though is still a licensed attorney) these skills, along with her experience as a leader in the real estate industry, allow her to get her buyers and sellers the best price on the best terms, with as little stress as possible.

She believes relationship building, listening and competence are at the core of a successful Real Estate career and when she partners with a buyer or seller, she is available to them long after one particular property closes. She is extremely hands on in getting properties ready for market (sellers) and keeping her buyers abreast of properties on or off the market that may suit their needs. She works with both experienced and first-time buyers. Wendy has been an NVAR Top Producer for over a decade, achieving Diamond Status (formerly Lifetime Top Producer Status) in 2024.

Jeff Wheatley is passionate about serving his clients and transforming their lives through real estate. His extensive background in real estate, finance, and life coaching enables him to draw from a deep well of life experience as he helps his clients make long-term, intelligent decisions. In a shifting real estate market and changing landscape, his expertise and focus on long-term goals provide a rare breed of service.

Described by his peers and clients as “smart, insightful, and determined,” Jeff goes beyond expectations in serving his clients. Jeff has re-engineered the home selling process. He modeled his process after the best marketing practices in all industries.

Kyle Crawford is a Vice President and Branch Leader with CENTURY 21 New Millennium, supporting real estate professionals across the DC Metro, including Virginia, Maryland, and DC. He leads with a simple philosophy: strong leadership should make an agent’s life easier, not more complicated. Kyle is known for a hands-on, people-first approach that blends modern systems with practical coaching. He works directly with agents to help them grow their business, strengthen their operations, and navigate an industry that’s constantly changing. From streamlining office workflows to solving contract challenges in real time, he stays closely involved in the day-to-day work that helps agents serve their clients better and move their business forward.

Deeply active in the broader real estate community, Kyle contributes to local, state, and national association initiatives, with a particular focus on public policy and the future of brokerage leadership. He’s passionate about how technology, better systems, and thoughtful management can improve the agent experience and raise the standard of the industry. At his core, Kyle believes great leadership is about showing up, supporting people, and creating an environment where professionals feel confident, capable, and ready to grow.

Lisa began her career in Real Estate in 2001. Her passion is for helping people and educating buyers, sellers, landlords and renters to help them make the best decision regarding their home needs. A graduate of Virginia Tech in History with a focus on education, Lisa currently actively works with sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants, as well as teaching Continuing Education for agents. Lisa is licensed in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia (DC) and West Virginia!

• Certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP)
• Certified Home Rescue Expert
• Pre-Foreclosure Specialist
• Pre-License Education Instructor Certification

I’m Alicia Jenkins, Vice President and Branch Leader of CENTURY 21 New Millennium’s Annapolis office. Real estate has been in my blood from the beginning—I grew up in a family-owned brokerage and officially started my career in real estate and mortgage finance back in 1993.

I joined CENTURY 21 New Millennium in 1997 at the California, Maryland office and have been proud to grow alongside this incredible company. In 2024, I transitioned to lead our flagship Annapolis branch, where I focus on supporting agent success, fostering a collaborative culture, and delivering exceptional experiences for our clients.

I earned my bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s University and my MBA from West Chester University. I believe in blending strong business fundamentals with hands-on coaching and modern tools to help agents thrive in today’s fast-moving market.

Outside of work, I live in Annapolis and love spending time with my family and getting creative in the kitchen. Whether mentoring new agents or helping seasoned professionals take their business to the next level, I’m passionate about leadership, growth, and building a supportive real estate community.

As a REALTOR and branch leader, I am passionate about first-time homebuyers and relocation. I enjoy showing what our neighborhoods offer and building relationships with new clients. As an early retiree from UPS after 27 years, I am dedicated to giving clients very honest and personal attention to detail. Very well equipped in many markets including new construction, 55+, condominiums, luxury homes, and all distressed properties. Determined to be a one-stop agent to fit all client needs. Personal interests include community outreach with credit awareness, education, and housing options. “Above and Beyond.” Working on behalf of Prince George’s County residents for equality in favorable housing options and opportunities.

KELLY NORMAND

In addition to being a full-time REALTOR since 2001, I have tried to get as much education in real estate as possible so I can use it to help my clients. Many years ago, I put in the extra hours to get my Associate Broker’s license, and since then I have earned many additional designations in my profession. I use my knowledge to educate my clients so they can make informed decisions and not feel lost in the process and paperwork. I have also consistently been a CENTURY 21 Pinnacle Quality Service Award winner.

Basically, I love real estate. On the buy side, I enjoy the thrill of the house hunt, the satisfaction in finding the right home for my client, helping guide people to homeownership, being the winning offer and seeing my client get the home they want. On the listing side, my competitiveness also shows up and I enjoy being the one chosen to help the seller fulfill their goals of selling for the highest dollar in the shortest time and negotiating to protect my seller’s interests. I especially like it when my previous buyers call me to help them sell their home and find a new one.

I have lived in Northern Virginia since 1984 and have lived in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax and Prince William Counties. I have seen the changes to the landscape and the real estate market and can help move you in the right direction.

TOMMY HIGGINS

Tommy Higgins is the Executive Vice President of Culture & Training at NM Real Estate Services, an Alexandria, VA-based real estate firm serving Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. NM Real Estate Services, the parent company of CENTURY 21 New Millennium, also includes Select Lending Home Loans, Bay County Settlements, Capstone Insurance, CENTURY 21 Commercial New Millennium, NM Relocation Services, and NM Referrals, Inc.

Tommy ensures the company’s culture is reflected in its marketing, services, and special events. He also oversees agent training for CENTURY 21 New Millennium tools and systems, including continuing education.

Tommy began his career in finance and banking, holding senior management positions that enhanced business and financial operations. He entered real estate in 2002 as a dual-career agent with CENTURY 21 New Millennium’s Solomons (Md.) office. After two successful years, he became a full-time agent and Branch Leader of the La Plata (Md.) office in 2005. In 2013, he assumed leadership of the Waldorf (Md.) office following an acquisition and later merged the La Plata and Waldorf offices into a new White Plains (Md.) office in 2019. Under his leadership, CENTURY 21 New Millennium achieved the largest market share in Charles County, MD. In 2021, he took on additional responsibility for the California and Prince Frederick (Md.) offices, helping the Southern Maryland offices secure the largest market share in the region.

Tommy earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. He grew up in Quincy, Ill., on the Mississippi River. He has been with his husband since 1987 and is a dog lover with two large rescued labs, Tyson and Moka. He also has a passion for travel.