Mr. Franke holds a degree in economics from Principia College, a Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law, and has studied at both the London School of Economics and the Washington University School of Business.

Mr. Franke has been a member of many civic organizations, especially those concerned with the protection of children, including the State of Missouri's Children's Trust Fund and The Children's Family Resource Center. He has served on the U.S. Department of Energy's Advisory Committee on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Ventures. Mr. Franke has also been actively involved for a number of years with Operation Smile, an international, non-profit organization providing reconstructive surgery for needy children around the world.

Mr. Franke served a tour in Vietnam during the Vietnam conflict while a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. He served as Officer-in-Charge of a river patrol boat and Operational and Tactical Commander of a task group which included twelve river patrol boats, multiple aircraft and approximately three hundred ground troops. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. His task group was awarded two Presidential Unit Citations and the Navy's Meritorious Unit citation.

Mr. Franke serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of a privately held corporation engaged real estate development, computer technologies, and international trade.

Last Updated Tuesday, July 20 2004 @ 09:03 PM PDT