Originally from the United States, he has been a Salvation Army officer for over 33 years, working as a pastor, youth leader, social coordinator, and administrator across North America and Europe—including a prior three-year deployment leading a corps in Stockholm, Sweden.

In Hungary, his leadership focuses on building sustainable organizational stability while expanding nationwide initiatives, with specific strategic priorities aimed at youth ministries, expanding Roma community outreach, and supporting anti-human-trafficking programs.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

My wife, Candace, and I moved to Budapest, Hungary in July 2025. We came to Hungary to be the national leaders for the Salvation Army, overseeing our work in eight church congregations and four social service centers. We have worked with the Salvation Army, an international religious and charitable organization, for over 30 years.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

From 2010 to 2013 our family lived in Stockholm, Sweden. It was another transfer with the Salvation Army. At that time our four sons were school age and moved with us. We all enjoyed our time there.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

Everything! I knew very little about Hungary before moving and did not even have the opportunity to visit the country before arriving to live here. I have enjoyed the opportunities to sightsee in Budapest and travel to other cities around the country.

4. Friends are in Budapest for the weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

First of all, a weekend is not enough time to see everything. Highlights would include Buda Castle and the magnificent views of the city. The Shoes on the Danube, Hero’s Square, and the Jewish Quarter would also be on the list. Sightseeing would be balanced with lots of Hungarian food – there are too many good restaurants to name them all. The last stop would be a visit to a thermal spa so that we could all relax after a busy weekend.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

I really enjoy lecsó and my wife makes a very good chicken paprikash. Several of my Hungarian coworkers are very good cooks and they have introduced me to a good variety of traditional foods.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Erős Pista. I love spicy food and add paprika paste to lots of meals. A friend gave me some homemade erős pista that she named in my honor – Strong Cornell.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

I have a favorite Hungarian phrase, "Nem kolbászból van a kerítés". The fence is not made out of sausage. While the phrase is practical, meaning that things are not always as good as they seem, I find the imagery very humorous. It also reminds me of my first visit to a large grocery store and being a little overwhelmed by the many sausage choices.

8. What do you miss most from home?

Family. We have four sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren. They are the only things that I truly miss from home. One son and his wife have already visited us in Budapest, and the others are making plans to come.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

I would have liked to pursue creative writing. I have the opportunity to do some writing in my current job, but not always the time to do so.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

I would not enjoy a job where I did the same thing every day. I like that my job includes variety, creativity, and the important element of helping others. From its start over 160 years ago, The Salvation Army has emphasized the importance of helping people with both physical needs and spiritual needs.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

For our last vacation my wife and I stayed in Demjén and visited Eger and some local sights. It is a beautiful part of Hungary, and we really enjoyed relaxing in the thermal bath each evening.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

Our main holiday this summer will be a trip to the United States. The visit will focus on family – my brother is retiring and my wife’s father is celebrating a milestone birthday. It will be a busy few weeks, but we cannot wait to be with our family.

13. Apart from temptation what can't you resist?

I have a weakness for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. They are a childhood favorite that I have a hard time passing up. I can find them in Hungary, but at limited stores – which is good because it also limits how many I eat.

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

A hobby that started as a teen that continues today is thrift store shopping for vintage clothing. I have clothing pieces that range from the 1930’s to 1980’s. We have also shopped local thrift stores and flea markets to help decorate our home here in Budapest.

15. Red or white?

I have to pass on red or white, since I do not drink alcohol. But I am looking forward to the summer months when the local restaurants have different flavors of lemonade available.

16. Books or films?

I would have to say books. During the Covid pandemic I stopped going to movies and have not seen many in theaters since then. I like historical fiction and mystery books.

17. Morning person or night person?

I am a little bit of both a morning and night person, but I always enjoy it when I can take a nap in the afternoon. I do not like to get up early, but when I am awake, I am ready to start the day.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

I feel strongly about the general concept of injustice. It hurts when people are judged based on life circumstances that are out of their control or when they are not given a second chance to correct their past mistakes.

That concept is central to my work with the Salvation Army. They do not discriminate in the social services we provide or require anyone to take part in our religious programs to receive assistance. In Hungary we have soup kitchens, shelters, rehabilitation programs, day centers, and other programs to help people.

19. Buda or Pest?

I live in Buda and work in Pest, so I get to experience the best of both worlds. Our home is on a quiet street, so it is a relaxing place at the end of the day. The sights and activities of Pest are easy to get to at any time.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

Our family motto is, “Things are looking up for us.” It came about on a family vacation where a lot of things went wrong, and we knew the only direction to go was up. We now look back on that with humor and use the motto to remind ourselves to always look for the positive side of any situation.