9 Questions With the ELT

Would you tell us about your career journey?

My career started when I was accepted into the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Academy. That experience gave me a strong foundation in leadership and technical skills, but it also reinforced the values that I live by today: “Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.”

I went on to get my master’s in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech and was fortunate to have my first assignment be at Eglin Air Force Basse in Florida, where I was the test director for air-to-air missile testing. As a young lieutenant and developmental test engineer, I was given extraordinary responsibility for managing highly complex flight test programs. I was fortunate to work under great leaders, among highly skilled test pilots, and to partner with many big-name aerospace companies.

I went on to graduate from USAF Test Pilot School, and after a few years decided I wanted to learn more about the commercial side of the industry. I worked for a short time at Proctor & Gamble, which really helped me to understand how large public companies operate. From there, I went on to work at another government service company as a director of business development. I found that sales was a great fit for me. There was always a new challenge, a new customer or technology to learn about, and you had clear goals with measurable outcomes — you win or you lose!

I joined KBR in 2010 as the head of Sales for the Government business and was asked to help find a way to diversify the business and create a more predictable and sustainable portfolio. As part of the KBR team, I supported many of our key acquisitions and eventually was asked to lead the operations in 2017. I continue to learn every day from the people around me and have been fortunate to be part of this amazing team.

What’s a favorite hobby or pastime?

I have a lot of hobbies! I constantly like to learn and try new things. About six years ago, I started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and I earned my purple belt last year. It is odd to start training this late in life, but I have really enjoyed both the physical and mental aspect of the game. I also picked up the guitar during the COVID lockdowns and started teaching myself to play. I find there is always something new I can learn in music.

What’s your favorite book or movie?

Favorite movie: “Rounders”

Favorite books: I like big, epic adventures like J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” Bernard Cornwell’s “Warlord Chronicles” or George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” (“Game of Thrones”) series.

What song gets you hyped up?

“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC! It was my class song at the Academy, so the upperclassmen would blast it to wake us up during basic training.

What would be the title of your autobiography?

“The Journey Ahead”

What’s something that inspires or motivates you?

The people of KBR constantly inspire me. Our people work on amazing projects. They sacrifice and work around the clock to support our military members. They are humble, energetic and innovative. One of the greatest parts of my job is traveling the world and seeing what our people do. It motivates me to work harder and inspires me to be a better person.

What’s the best advice you ever received, professional or otherwise?

To always be engaged and focus on solutions, helping the team, and doing what is right. The rest will take care of itself.

What’s one piece of advice you frequently give?

Talk less. Listen more.

Which ONE KBR Value resonates with you the most and why?

“We Are a Team of Teams.” Being part of a high-functioning team is the most rewarding experience. Knowing that others are looking out for you and that together we can accomplish anything pushes us all to strive for greatness.