Lieutenant; U.S. Navy
Why did you decide to come to Leeds?
I’m a Colorado native and knew I wanted to go to school in Colorado – I was fortunate to be accepted into my top choice, CU Boulder. I specifically chose Leeds because I knew I wanted to learn business skills. My parents are entrepreneurs and from a young age I watched as they counted inventory, built websites, and made sales calls. From them I learned that acquiring strong technical and interpersonal skills were key to succeeding in any field.
What is one thing you learned at Leeds that you will never forget?
“The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan.” - Unknown
I learned that if you plan and take pro-active steps, you can make great things happen for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
Tell us about a particular professor or mentor that influenced you while you were at Leeds.
While he is no longer at Leeds, the professor that influenced me the most was Alan Jagolinzer. He constantly challenged me to think about the ‘why’ behind my goals and refused to let me get away with easy or unthoughtful answers. He pushed me to think outside-the-box and helped me develop a comfort with uncertainty, for which I will always be grateful.
Where has life taken you since you graduated Leeds?
After graduation I decided to join the Navy. I went to Officer Candidate School (Navy Officer Bootcamp) and the Navy’s Supply Corps School in Newport, RI. I was then given orders to report to Washington, D.C. where I was chosen to work at the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program (Naval Reactors).
I have been at Naval Reactors for four years and have served in a variety of finance and budget roles. Most recently, I was asked to take over as the Financial Manager for the Navy’s fast attack submarine program.
Outside of work, I’ve become deeply involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. Originally, I started out as a club volunteer helping kids with academics, physical fitness, and self-confidence. Two years ago, I was asked to join the Board of Directors and have since led a variety of initiatives aimed at improving youth education and safety. This past August I took over as Board Treasurer.
What is one piece of advice/best practice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
Chase quality experience, not a paycheck. Memories and adventures are what you will think about when reflecting back on your life.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?
Finance/Accounting: Learn the fundamentals. Finance and accounting skills are needed everywhere – at all companies, in all industries, in every country in the world. If you learn the basics, you can go anywhere.
Military: It takes a village to keep a country safe. In addition to the soldiers, aviators, and submariners, there are active-duty doctors, lawyers, logisticians, engineers, public affairs professionals, and data science specialists who all contribute to the mission. Think about your interests and the skillset you want to cultivate.
What do you miss most about Boulder?
1) Being surrounded by my closest friends
2) Seeing the Flatirons after a snowfall
3) Cosmo’s Pizza