He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education and Master of Science degree in Recreation and Park Administration from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Prior to joining University of Illinois Extension in 1994, Al served as a District Recreation Supervisor for the Montgomery County Recreation and Park Department in Dayton, Ohio for two years; a Regional Recreation Advisor for the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs in Erie, Pennsylvania for seven years; and Executive Director of Jamieson Community Center in Monmouth, Illinois for 13 years.

Al was named the Illinois Recycling Association's "Recycler of the Year" in 1993, the Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year" in 1994, and received the Illinois Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi Mid Career Award in 2004. He has chaired several state committees for University of Illinois Extension including the Annual Conference Planning Committee, Computer Technology Advisory Committee, Spanish Language Task Force, and the Academy of Extension Excellence.