BIO:
I was born in October of 1978 and grew up in Vermont where I was the youngest of three children. My first experience with aviation was the airshow that was held at BTV and also where the VT Air National Guard was stationed which also drew my interest in the military at a young age. While attending High School at Champlain Valley Union in Hinesburg VT, I was introduced to the Aviation Technology Program at the Burlington Technical Center. After two years of learning about all aspects of aviation in the technical program I decided to enlist in the United States Army. I wanted to fly, but I was also seeking a challenge and an adventure so I volunteered for the US Army Airborne program and soon found myself in the 82nd Airborne Division 3rd Brigade 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. At the end of my initial service I was stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base, in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, providing security for coalition forces. Upon my return to civilian life I returned to Vermont and was interested in beginning a new career path, until the attacks of September 11th 2001, when I found myself again hearing the call to serve. I joined the Transportation Security Administration during the initial roll-out and found that the security in aviation blend was the best of both worlds for me. I became a manager with TSA and was with the organization for its first decade of service. I had been assigned to airports in Vermont and Florida, ultimately landing in the Punta Gorda / Fort Myers area working at both PGD and RSW airports. After making the decision to leave federal service I continued looking for opportunities at airports and I was very fortunate that the Punta Gorda Airport had an opportunity that was a perfect fit for me, directing the day to day security operations. As my role continues to grow at PGD, I have been able to leverage my knowledge of security as well as my network of peers to assist the airport in continued growth while meeting the stringent regulatory guidelines associated with commercial service.
1) Why did you select aviation as a career?
My first experience with aviation was the airshow that was held at BTV and also where the VT Air National Guard was stationed which also drew my interest in the military at a young age. While attending High School at Champlain Valley Union in Hinesburg VT, I was introduced to the Aviation Technology Program at the Burlington Technical Center.
2) What advice from a mentor helped you the most in your career?
Believe in what you are doing, and know why you are doing it.
3) What is the biggest challenge you see facing aviation today?
The biggest challenge that I see facing aviation today is the funding of airports in a time of declining general aviation activity. Especially at smaller category airports that rely heavily on general aviation, the rapid decline in GA activity has created a void that shows no sign of being replenished.
4) What advice would you give to others in the industry?
Engaging in professional development throughout a career in the aviation industry is a key to success. Continued growth in knowledge is the key to maintaining the highest levels of competency and achievement in this industry.
5) What are three things we don’t know about you?
My dream job would be to pilot an airship. I love Baseball. I spent a year as a photo lithographer in a microelectronics plant after my time in the military.
