A life long resident of the Olean Area and a long time resident of Allegany, NY, Lance grew up in Portville, NY. After graduating from Portville High School, Lance attended Louisiana State University earning a B.S. Degree with a concentration in Anthropology. After working a few years in manufacturing, he continued his education at the University of Buffalo receiving an MLS Degree from the School of Information and Library Studies. Lance's professional library career began at the Olean Public Library and ended upon retirement in 2016 after 34 years of service, 18 of which were as the Library Director. He served on various committees of the Chautauqua Cattaraugus Library System and the Western New York Library Resources Council (WNYLRC) and served as a board member of WNYLRC and the Cattaraugus Allegany School Library System. While his children were growing up in Allegany, Lance coached youth soccer for many years and served as an officer and swim official with the Enchanted Mountains Aquatics Club. His retirement days are filled with activities like walking, hiking, kayaking, bicycling, gardening, motorcycling, and traveling.