​Robert has worked with the Agricultural Sector and Rural Small Businesses throughout the region.  He has agreements to work with the Rural Electric Cooperatives and Peoples Utilities Districts (PUDs) and supported their energy conservation programs.    Robert has also worked together with organizations such as USDA Rural Development, BPA, Oregon Department of Energy, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Energy Trust of Oregon, Washington State Department of Commerce, NRCS and many other local agencies & non-profit organizations on energy & water and innovation projects. 
Robert is a Certified Energy Manager with a background in manufacturing and construction.  He has owned several small businesses and has worked for large corporate companies.     
Robert grew up in rural Wasco County, where he still resides.  Robert served as Mayor for the City of Dufur.  He is a current member of the Dufur School Board (Public K-12 School District).  He is also a Commissioner for the Port of The Dalles.  Robert has served as a budget committee member for the North Central Education Service District (ESD) and Wasco County Soil Water Conservation District.