Raspberry jam

Jeff’s patriotism led him to a career in the U.S. Army which consisted of twenty-eight years primarily in the logistics field. He served a combat tour in Iraq, is a Bronze Star recipient, and culminated his career as a Battalion Commander. Jeff retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and returned to his hometown of Bethany, Missouri to help with aging parents.

His desire to serve continued while in Bethany as he was very involved in the community, having been on the city council, Commander of the American Legion Post, President of the Chamber of Commerce, community blood drive Captain, and board member of the Harrison County Community Hospital Foundation and the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri.

When Jeff and his wife arrived in Florida in 2014, he was looking for volunteer opportunities, and to his good fortune, his new neighbor was a board member of the Café of Life. He was quickly introduced to the Café where he became a regular volunteer. A year later, he was offered the Executive Director’s position.

Since taking on that role, Jeff has helped guide Café of Life’s transformation into one of the leading nonprofit organizations in the Bonita Springs area. Under his leadership, the Café has expanded significantly. Vital programs have been launched and grown during his tenure, broadening the organization’s impact and deepening its connection to the community.

Jeff has also overseen a major modernization of Café of Life’s operations, leading efforts to digitize and centralize data systems to increase efficiency. By bringing Café of Life to the next level of computerized digital operations, the organization has improved its ability to track impact, and manage services efficiently, ensuring long-term sustainability and professionalism in a fast-paced, digital-first world. Additionally, Jeff has worked in collaboration with partner agencies to position Café of Life as a local hub for hurricane preparedness, providing resources and coordination to support the community during times of crisis.

Jeff possesses a B.S. in Business Management, an MBA with a concentration in Personal Finance, held the Certified Financial Planner CFP™ credential for 20 years, and is a graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff College.