Gary is a native of Sigourney. He graduated from Sigourney High School in 1974 and later received an AA in computer programming and operations from Kirkwood Community College. Through the 1980s and 1990s, he was involved in pioneering the online payments industry through the introduction of some of the first automated teller machines and point-of-sale networks in the US. In 2000, he joined Compaq Computers, now Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, where he serves as a Distinguished Technologist and senior architect in their mobile telecommunications business unit.
In 2011, Gary and his wife, Christie, left Clearwater, Florida to escape the metropolitan crowds and traffic. They chose to return to Sigourney to enjoy the high quality of life that can only be found in Iowa. Today, while still working for HPE, Gary has found several avenues to give back to Sigourney and Keokuk County. He serves on the County Economic Development organization (KCED) and is currently president of the newly founded Keokuk County Childcare Network.