How fortunate we are to live in Los Altos! The gorgeous surroundings and pleasant climate. The fascinating people, filled with ideas and optimism. And all around us, Silicon Valley, an economic and cultural phenomenon that fascinates the whole world. Like many of you, that’s what drew me here and made Los Altos my home.

I grew up in Madison, New Jersey, a great town, like Los Altos in many ways; similar in size, with a distinct downtown and engaged residents. Both my parents were science teachers, and so like many nerdy kids in New Jersey, I studied engineering and went to work in the Bell System. Soon my attention turned from the telephone network to the growth in data networking.

The year 1991 was momentous for me. I married my wonderful wife Katherine, moved to California, and started work at a small company called Cisco Systems. That good fortune lasted many years, culminating in my role as general manager of the mobile wireless business as the smartphone debuted. After I left Cisco, I led several startups, working with talented and inspiring people from all over the world.

Along the way, we had three amazing daughters. They went to school at Saint Nicholas and Saint Francis, completed college, and are working in California. They’re not shy about pointing out ways my generation should better step up to our obligations. I come away from each conversation with something to ponder.

In recent years, I’ve served our community as chair of the Historical Commission and president of the Los Altos History Museum. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to hear so many stories of Los Altans, past and present, dreaming big, working hard, and making a difference in our community.

I look forward to creating our next chapter, together.