about me

Hi! I'm Mike, a surgeon who grew up in Hutchinson and attended St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota. My wife, Melissa, and I have four children aged nine to 21 years old. Like many parents, we believe there is no "one-size-fits-all" when it comes to children. Together, our kids have attended seven out of ten Minnetonka schools. The Minnetonka School District is without a doubt one of the finest in the state, if not the country.

• I will advocate on behalf of all Minnetonka students, parents, and teachers, as well as all of those who work behind the scenes to help make our district great. I was a stage manager in high school, so I know the importance of "unseen" workers. 
• My priorities include fiscal responsibility, creating an effective long-term open enrollment strategy, continued academic excellence with an emphasis on technology and innovation, and promoting a culture of belonging and supporting teachers.
• As a Board-Certified General Surgeon, I can help craft district policy in several areas including health and wellness concerns ranging from the common cold to monkeypox to crisis response. 
• As a current PhD student in Healthcare Informatics at the University of Minnesota, I have first-hand knowledge of the technological needs of students, as well as what challenges they will face if their paths lead them to colleges/universities.

I've worn many hats, past and present*, as a volunteer in our community and in the communities I've worked in:

• Board Member, Neighborhood Homeowners Association* 
• Treasurer, U of MN Institute for Healthcare Informatics Student Group 
• Treasurer, Tonka Waters East* and Tonka Waters West Service Units for MN/WI River Valleys Council of Girl Scouts 
• Assistant Coach, Minnetonka High School Ultimate Frisbee Team
• Trauma Co-Director, Level 3 Trauma Center, Hutchinson Health 
• Member, Resident Council and General Medical Education Committee, Hennepin County Medical Center