Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Idaho. A lot of my best memories growing up were outdoors, and I have never really lost that. I have lived in a lot of places since then, but being outside has always felt like home.
Where did you go to school and what subject did you get your degree(s) in?
I earned a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems from Florida Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in information technology management from Western Governors University. I also graduated from the U.S. Army Financial Management School as the Distinguished Honor Graduate.
That mix of technology, financial management, and military experience ended up being a pretty good foundation for leading operations.
How did you come to work at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center?
I was working for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Miami when I learned about an opening at NOAA Fisheries. Earlier in my federal career, I had worked for NOAA's National Weather Service, and that experience had always stuck with me. NOAA was one of the best places I had ever worked, and I wanted to find my way back.
When the opportunity at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center came along, I took it. It turned out to be the best move of my career. Years later, I still enjoy the work, the people, and knowing that the problems I get to solve help keep the science moving.
What do you do at the science center?
I lead the business and operational side of the science center. My division supports the center through budget and financial management, acquisitions, information technology, administrative services, and facilities.
At the director level, my job is less about personally solving every problem and more about building strong teams, setting priorities, making difficult tradeoffs, and clearing obstacles so people can do their best work.
When we do that well, the operational side almost disappears into the background and our scientists and programs can stay focused on the mission. That is what success looks like to me.
What do you like most about your position?
The people, without question.
One of the most satisfying parts of my job is watching someone on my staff take ownership of a difficult problem, work through it, and come back with a solution that is better than anything I would have come up with on my own.
I also love the range of the job. In a single day I might be working through a facility issue, an acquisition strategy, a technology problem, a personnel decision, and a budget question that will affect what the center can do a year from now.
I have never once been bored.
Thank you for your service as a veteran. What does being a veteran mean to you?
Serving in the United States Army gave me a set of values I still lead by: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Those are not just words to me. They influence how I make decisions, how I treat people, and what I expect of myself as a leader.
The Army also taught me that taking care of your people and accomplishing the mission are not competing responsibilities. Good leaders have to do both.
That lesson has stayed with me throughout my career. I believe in setting high expectations, being clear about what needs to be accomplished, giving people room to do their jobs, and being there when they need leadership to make a decision or remove an obstacle.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I am outdoors almost every weekend. I enjoy hiking, skiing, boating, camping, bike riding, traveling, and exploring new places with my family. Growing up in Idaho probably has a lot to do with that. I am happiest when there is a mountain, trail, lake, ocean, or someplace I have never seen before involved.
I also play a lot of pickleball, and I am probably more competitive about it than my skill level justifies. If you play and we ever end up at the same meeting, bring a paddle. I will find a court.
