According to the website of the pontifical commission, after obtaining the degree in Political Science at the Quincy University, he joined the Illinois State Police, from which he retired with the rank of colonel. When he retired as a police officer, he directed the Forensic Services Division, crime labs and crime scene services.
He also headed the Internal Investigation Division, responsible for dealing with allegations of misconduct by Illinois police, as well as agencies, boards and commissions under the executive branch of the state government.
She was executive director of the Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
In January 2016 she moved to Rome to work at the Pontifical Commission for the Guardianship of Minors. She worked on universal guidelines for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults, as well as the healing and care of victims.