Background

Community focused, technology driven.

My family on both sides lived in Allentown for multiple generations. My Mom grew up on 15th and Tilghman and my dad lived near Allen High School. My grandparents owned and operated the Wentz Memorial business at 19th and Hamilton, which they started back in 1920.

I was born at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, but my parents were part of the generation that left the city and moved to the suburbs. Though I grew up about 20 minutes outside the city, the values and the culture of Allentown are deeply rooted in who I am today.

I left the Lehigh Valley to attend Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. From there, I lived in Boston, Massachusetts and Honolulu, Hawai‘i before returning to Allentown in 2013. With these experiences, one of values I will bring to City Council is a broader perspective and a desire address local issues with proven approaches from other areas.

My professional experience has always been focused on technology. At a very early age I began building computers and working with networking. I currently own a successful security consulting company in Allentown called Concentric Solutions. Prior to becoming a business owner, I worked in various Information Technology roles for a technology and security company, a web development company, and IT integration companies.

Through my work, I’ve honed my skills as a pragmatic problem solver—a skill that I will be able to put to good use as a member of City Council. Further, we have all seen how technology is impacting our lives and communities. With my expertise, I will be able to ask the right questions, recognize opportunities that can benefit the city, and address the technology gaps between residents and government.

I’ve been married to my partner, Sherri Brokopp Binder, for 15 years. Sherri and I have had the honor to live in an historic house that dates back to 1910 and was the home of the carpenter of many of the beautiful historic homes in the area. We are deeply committed to our community. Sherri is the executive director of a nonprofit organization and is active in helping to reestablish a neighborhood group in Franklin Park. I have been involved in several of our local nonprofit organizations, including serving on the board of the YMCA, an IT committee for Valley Youth House, the West Park Civic Association board, and an advisory board for Speak Up Allentown. I’m currently the Treasurer for Ripple Church and the Judge of Elections for the 11-3 precinct, a position I’ve held since 2017.

Allentown is an amazing city. As a fourth generation Allentownian, I’m rooted in our shared history. As someone who has chosen to return to the city, I value the role of every one of our neighbors in weaving our shared future. Let’s move Allentown forward, together.