Profiles in Service - Aug. 22, 2016

Lew Gaiter III

Chair, Information Technology Standing Committee
Commissioner
Larimer County, Colo.

Number of years active in NACo: 6 years

Years in public service: 7 years

Occupation: Computer software and networking research and development, and commissioner of District 1 of Larimer County, Colo.

Education: Some college

The hardest thing I’ve ever done:  Raise a large family

Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: King David, Apostle Paul and President George W. Bush

A dream I have is to: Ride cross country on a Goldwing motorcycle with my wife or drive in a BMW Z-4.

You’d be surprised to learn that I: Delivered eight of my nine children at home.

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: Followed a 16-year-old skiing off of a cliff.

I’m most proud of:  My wife and kids.

Every morning I read: My Bible more often than anything else.

My favorite meal is: Smothered, beef and cheese stuffed, chile rellenos.

My pet peeve is: People who think they know what I believe — without asking me first.

My motto is: “Learn all sides of an issue before you make up your mind.”

The last book I read was:  I’m working on 21 Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell.

My favorite movie is: Knight and Day with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.

My favorite music is:  Smooth jazz.

My favorite U.S. president is: Abraham Lincoln.

My county is a NACo member because: We value the advocacy for counties and appreciate the educational opportunities.