About Jeff

I grew up as the eldest of 5 children in a family that struggled financially, though not due to a lack of hard work. My father was a police officer during most of my youth, and he instilled a deep respect for the law and law enforcement professionals in me. 

I joined the US Navy shortly after graduating high school and served 5 years active duty enlisted. (My father and both of my brothers also served.) After my tour in the Navy, I worked as a defense contractor for 15 years. Then I spent 22 years in federal government employment, retiring as a GS-14. So, I was in service to the Navy for 42 years, all told. My career was spent primarily as a Software Engineer and a Systems Engineer. I spent the latter part of my career as a software development manager. I lived in the Fredericksburg area of Virginia 37 years before moving to St George in October 2020.

I went to college, after my tour on active duty, while working full time. I gained a BS in Computer Science from Park College (now University) of Parkville, MO. I gained an MS in Software Engineering from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. 

As a retiree, I depend on my government pension, Social Security, and Medicare.

I enjoy walking, hiking and biking the incredibly beautiful surroundings of St George. I am an intermediate level drummer, and I love 70’s rock. I am a founding, former steering committee, and current member of Southern Utah Indivisible. I am also a member of the Southern Utah Visibility Brigade and Together Works of Southern Utah.

Like many of my DoD coworkers during my career, I was a Republican, though most of my beliefs tended to be moderate. I am a Never-Trumper. I was a registered Republican from 1978 until 2022. I have no prior political experience or expertise. To be honest, my political awakening didn’t come until after 2016, more so ahead of the 2020 elections, and then expanded greatly leading up to the 2024 elections and ever since. Current events have given me a strong desire to push back from the inside on the divisive and self-serving MAGA agenda that has taken over the Utah legislature’s supermajority.

I welcome your thoughts and concerns, and I appreciate your interest and your support!

BTW, Lipe rhymes with Pipe!