After transitioning from the Army, JP was a Metropolitan Nashville Police Officer serving multiple roles including flex officer, patrol officer, and school resource officer. While working as a law enforcement officer, JP attended Lipscomb University on the Yellow Ribbon Program.  He graduated with honors from Lipscomb University with a B.A. in Law, Justice, and Society and a minor in Conflict Management.  While at Lipscomb, JP was involved in the Campus Veterans Organization. After graduating, he left law enforcement for a career in politics.

JP served on Capitol Hill in the Office of Governor Bill Haslam as a Legislative Liaison. While focusing on healthcare related issues for the Governor’s Office, JP guided some of the Governor’s key initiatives through the legislative process, including combating the opioid epidemic in the state, expanding adult education and education for National Guard members.  JP also served as Legislator Director for the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.  As Legislative Director, he helped expand healthcare access and modernize services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

JP left State government to work at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he provided government relation services for the hospital.  JP assisted Vanderbilt Health by implementing multiple initiatives, including the expansion of telehealth services, broadening scope of practice issues and increased funding for graduate medical education.

JP is an avid fly fisherman. He is member of Harpeth Hills Church of Christ. JP and his wife, Biz, live in Franklin with their three children, Joey, Lulu and Rand, and their dog, Dolly.