A native of Sylvester, Georgia, Bill received his Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University in 1972 and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and remained for 25 years, achieving the rank of Captain. His varied Naval career included three fleet tours flying antisubmarine helicopters from destroyers, a tour in Pensacola, Florida as a flight instructor and a tour as the Commanding Officer of a Helicopter squadron in Mayport, Florida. He attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI, and while there earned his Master’s Degree in management from Salve Regina College. He had three tours in Washington, two working for the Chief of Naval Operations and one with the Joint Chiefs of Staff working for General Colin Powell. His last 10 years in the Navy focused on Latin America. Following a distinguished career in the Navy, he and his family returned to Georgia where he served as Senior Project Manager for Garrett Environmental Consulting and as the Executive Director for the Worth County Economic Development Authority. Bill is active in the community serving on many boards and associations in Georgia.