Welcome to my website. Thank you for stopping by.
“By day,” so to speak, I’m a business writer specializing in property/casualty insurance coverage and operations. I have a deep appreciation for a business that allows us to acquire property and engage in commerce largely free from the fear of devastating loss. I also find insurance to be intellectually engaging, as it encompasses law, economics, technological change, and human behavior.
In a way, I find insurance to provide an almost “civic” dimension to economic life. It entails costs and hassles that many people may prefer to avoid, but fulfills responsibilities we have to others for privileges we enjoy, like driving a car.
“By night” (although usually during the day) I pursue my interest in civic life as an adult seminar and course leader at Oakton Community College, the North Shore Senior Center, and Chicago’s Newberry Library. The term “citizen-reader” is how I characterize myself to my seminar participants. Together, we explore topics and texts to learn for ourselves and from each other how to think and act on matters of public concern.
I’ve had success in my professional career, but “citizen” is my most cherished title. I hope to always be worthy of it.