I recently moved to Knoxville to work as the director of photography for the Knoxville News Sentinel. Before Tennessee I was in San Antonio, Texas for two years. I'm originally from Kentucky and have traveled a long path to where I am now. I really value being a good friend to others, photojournalism, the outdoors, bluegrass music and craft beer.

I'm very involved in various photojournalism-related organizations and workshops. These opportunities allow me to grow as a photo editor/leader and to help other photographers. It's all an extension of my job. This summer I'll take on a director role in the Kalish workshop, a fantastic picture editing experience moving in to its 24th year. Later in the fall I'll become president of the Associated Press Photo Managers. I used to be a staff photographer at a newspaper, but figured there were enough great photographers out there and no one to fight for them back in the office. So I moved in to visual leadership to be an advocate for the photographers I manage.

Living in Tennessee is the closest I've been to my old Kentucky home in over a decade. Along the way I've lived in Louisiana, Ohio, Georgia and Massachusetts. I'm really looking forward to hiking as much as I can and exploring the area.

Right now I'm learning to play the 5 string banjo. It's been a really good outlet for me and I'm happy to connect the music I love to something I can play.

I'd also like to figure out a good way to give back to the community. I'm not sure if it'll be Big Brother/Big Sister or volunteering with the Special Olympics or something else. But it's really important to me. I grew up with a mother who was a special education teacher for 33 years. I saw her give so much of herself and her time to others. And in the most difficult of circumstances. Her legacy is important to me.

-Being a good friend.
-Listening
-Photography
-finding antiques
-waltzing well, dancing poorly otherwise

Used to have a giant beard, now I guess it's the lack thereof.

Love bluegrass, jazz, Americana and everything in between.

In specific:

The Shouting Matches, Bon Iver, Yo Yo Ma, Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, Mumford and Sons, The Mammals, anything Chris Thile, Ricky Skaggs, Rebirth, Arcade Fire, Steve Martin (yes, he plays bluegrass, claw hammer banjo, in fact).

Favorite bluegrass tunes: Clinch Mountain Backstep (Ralph Stanley). Get Up John (Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder). John Henry (The Mammals). Heart in a Cage (Chris Thile). Pretty Flowers (Steve Martin). Maybe (Alison Krauss and Union Station).

Food: Anything my grandmother makes. Beyond that I'm open to try anything once.

Beer/Bourbon: IPAs for beer and Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project for bourbon.

Books: Anything Hemingway, Faulkner, Toni Morrison, and anything from the Harlem Renaissance.

Sleep
Friends/Family
Camera
Music
Banjo
Bourbon (or a good craft beer)

How I ended up here. It's been an amazing journey thus far with stops in many places. But I never thought I'd move to Knoxville. And truth be told, I like it more than anywhere else I've ever lived.

Hard to say. Hopefully not at work. Hanging with friends. Maybe down on Gay St. at Suttrees or at home playing the banjo and staring at the stars.

I'm on here.

-You have a passion for living and trying new things.

-You are looking for a:
-great conversation
-a cajun waltz under the stars while drinking bourbon