I was born in Russia in a city called Chelyabinsk, located in South Ural Mountains (that's where the meteor fell a couple of years ago). I first came to the United States at the age of 18 as a student. My education background is in Economics and Accounting. I worked in various Accounting and Finance roles including roles at State of Alaska and also at Boeing. My interests include outdoors, including sailing around Puget Sound, skiing, playing soccer and hockey, and most importantly spending time with my family.