Keith was born and raised in Allen County, Ohio. As the son of a Law Enforcement family, he learned the true meanings of respect and sacrifice. Upon graduating high school, he became a small business owner of Cheney’s Certified Gas which he successfully operated for a number of years. Keith then sold the business and began a career with Certified Convenience Stores, the third largest independent Convenience Store chain in the Midwest, and worked his way through the ranks to ultimately serve as Chief Operating Officer.
Keith and his wife, Jan, are the proud parents of two children and a granddaughter. Their son Trent is employed at the Allen County Engineer’s Office and their daughter Ashley is a Registered Nurse at Mercy Health.
Keith has always believed in public service and at the age of 23 was elected the youngster person ever to serve as a Governor of Lions Clubs International. He has also served his community in a number of volunteer positions including a YMCA coach, Little League coach, three term President of the Fraternal of Police Associates Lodge 8 and Chairman of the American Cancer Allen County Relay for Life. Keith currently serves on the Executive Board of the Lima Locos Collegiate Baseball Team and previously served on the Gerard Cancer Foundation Board.
Keith’s memberships include Ohio Right to Life, NRA, Republican National Committee, Ohio Republican Party, Ohio Association of Election Officials, F.O.P.A. Lodge 8, Lions Clubs International and the Lima Baptist Temple.