A. G. (Gary) Cullen was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Moving frequently as a child, he grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, Billings, Montana, Portland, Oregon, and finally graduated from high school in Waldport, Oregon (where his family moved after his father retired).

He began college at Oregon State University, but his education was interrupted by a two-year stint in the US Navy on a refueling ship off the coast of Vietnam.

His experience in the navy gave him a strong appreciation for education and shortly after his discharge, he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and his master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

His entire professional career has been in the promotion of energy conservation, helping utilities and government organizations design programs for their customers.

While raising his two children, he gained an appreciation and love for soccer, coaching youth teams for nearly two decades.