Occupation: I’m a global marketing communications specialist with Enthone, out of West Haven. We do specialty chemicals, that coat things, like computer chips. We make the chemistry that makes them perform.

Family: My wife is Sue. She grew up here in town. We have six children, two from my first marriage, two are Sue’s, and the two youngest are ours. Madeleine is 21 and graduating from the University of Tampa in May; Lauren is 19 and goes to Ohio Wesleyan; my stepdaughters are Courtney and Ashleigh. Courtney is a freshman at Newtown High School and Ashleigh is in seventh grade at Newtown Middle School. Our twins are Connor and Colten, and they will be 3 years old on November 3.

Pets: We have two dogs. Miss Buddie is a rescue dog from South Carolina. She’s a Catahoula leopard dog, and is full of energy. The other is Annabelle, a Bassett hound mix we got through the Animal Center in Newtown, from Georgia.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I’ve been here since 1990. I moved here from Fairfield.

What do you like to do in your free time? I volunteer with the Newtown Forest Association, and I’m on the board of Cullen’s Youth Association. I love to work in the yard, and on weekends, the boys and I take a hike up Holcombe Hill on Great Hill Road. I like to read when I have some time. I read mostly online newsletters, though.

What have you read most recently? I just finished Lincoln by David Herbert Donald, but Annie Proulex is my favorite author. I recently read her novel The Shipping News.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? My most recent work trip was to Düsseldorf, Germany. I loved it. It’s like Boston and Bavaria had a baby. I love the old cobblestone roads, and the German food. Our favorite family vacation was to Pawley’s Island, S.C. We have friends who live there. It’s laid back, there are friendly people, and it has a slow pace to life. The beaches remind me of Cape Cod, and there’s a little surf, so you can play in the water.

What is the best thing about Newtown? Every place has hometown pride, but I am always impressed by my Newtown friends and neighbors  — both lifelong residents and new transplants — who genuinely believe, as I do, that there really is no better place to live. Especially after the unimaginable tragedy of 12/14, we really are Newtown Strong, and there is no better feeling than being a part of that.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? It’s probably my kids. Becoming a parent, you reflect on your upbringing, the person you want to be, and the people you want your kids to be. Kids return the gift of energy you give to them. And my wife has been a big influence in my life. She makes me want to be the best I can be, too.

Do  you have a personal philosophy? Do as much good as you can. Be the person to the world you want it to be to you. Return kindness.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? It would have to be ice cream from The Creamery. I can off a half pint, no problem. This time of year, it’s the pumpkin or the pumpkin ginger I love. In the heat of summer, it’s the peach ice cream.