I grew up on a small farm in Refton, PA, southern Lancaster County. I have a BS- Millersville University, MS – Virginia Tech, and PhD – SUNY Stony Brook all in the area of Geology. I have lived in Westminster, MD since 2003. I work in Carroll County Public Schools as a science teacher and Chair of the Science Department at Westminster High School; I co-founded and run a non profit called STEMivism with my wife, Dr. Melanie Nilsson. I also am currently serving as Westminster’s first female Mayor; I was elected in May 2021.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the oldest of three siblings. I have two brothers; we are very close, which is great. Melanie and I have been partners in 1999, and we legally married in 2013. We have two cats Winks and Wilson.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been involved in the field of Environmental Education for about 25 years. One of our greatest responsibilities, as humans, is to care for the planet and live in a sustainable manner so future generations can be successful. I am also an elected official; I think that one should give back to the community when able and serving as Mayor of Westminster allows me to give back to the community and city that I love so much. I really enjoy working with people, connecting individuals to opportunities. I envision myself contributing in both roles as a public servant and as an environmental educator for quite some time.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite places or events in our community?
I love Belle Grove Square in Westminster. It is a “pocket park”; a small park with a fountain and few benches. It’s surrounded by old houses, it is peaceful and quiet. My favorite event is the Downtown Westminster Farmers Market! I am a passionate advocate of the market. We live in such a rich agricultural area, where we have the opportunities to support local farmers. The market highlights producers in our area – from mushrooms to veggies, to baked goods to beef, pork, and chicken. I love Westminster over the Winter Holiday season as well, we have a wonderful holiday parade, which brings scores of people to downtown and decorate the town for the season.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but Melanie and I love the Great British Baking Show.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Travel. Explore the world. My favorite quote by St. Augustine is “The world is a book, and those who do not travel have read only one page”. Experience something that may frighten you a bit, learn something new. Meet people who are not like you. There is so much out there, and getting out – meeting new people, going to new places, new experiences – helps you understand the world around us.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love music. So I often tune to WTMD, the public station from Towson University when I cannot decide what to listen to. They have a phenomenal eclectic mix.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Angela Merkel; I have such a respect for a humble yet powerful world leader. I would want to her her story of how she choose her path, and also she’s a scientist! We would definitely have lunch at Jeannie Bird’s on Main Street.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Westminster is such a unique place, we seem like a small town in central Maryland, but we have so much going on. A great arts scene thanks to the Carroll County Arts venue on Main Street, a lot of early United States History, great shopping, and amazing restaurants.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to cross stitch.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A summer day that is about 75 degrees with a slight breeze, a field of wildflowers, a lawn chair and a good book.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My students and the community.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Community, giving back, and a feeling of belonging.
