What I do at Virtual:
I am a deeply integrated strategic partner with Virtual’s clients who drives clients towards achieving their short-term goals and long-term planning in an effort to realize their vision.
Years of experience:
New to Virtual, 22 years industry experience
Past employment:
Senior Vice President of Strategy and Communications at the Institute of Food Technologists, a global scientific institute focused on a safe, nutritious and sustainable food supply for everyone. Prior to IFT, I was focused on strategic planning, global growth, marketing and communications in high-tech and clean-tech sectors. I was one of the first employees of the Bluetooth SIG (hired by Virtual’s own Mike McCamon) and later served as the organization’s Managing Director for the APAC region. I later led global communications, strategic global initiatives, and partnerships for renewable energy leader, Acciona, while based in Madrid, Spain. I have also helped several consortiums/associations, early-stage renewable energy, and tech start-ups in strategic planning, marketing and communications roles, including APICS (now ASCM) and IFT.
Education:
BS, St. Edward’s University, Austin, Texas
I can’t live without:
Ice cream (I wish I could live without it – but I’ve tried, and I can’t)
Favorite client story:
Prior to my time at Virtual, I consulted for Sonnet where I worked very closely with founders of a start-up renewable energy investment firm on an 18-month engagement to help lead a Canadian initial public offering. The company had developed an extremely innovative and novel way to fund wind energy development in what was an otherwise unstable environment for investment. It was a very exciting time and an extraordinary learning experience to be directly involved in an IPO.
Hidden talent:
I can tap dance
What I do for fun:
I love being a dad, and all that it involves. My favorite time is spent with my son hiking in a national park, or throwing the football, or talking about life.
Important life lesson:
Practicing kindness, to yourself and to others, and experiencing joy are choices we make and are deserving of. They’re both necessary for a good life.
Key to success:
Listen. Ask questions. Learn from anyone who can teach you. Be kind. Find joy. Leave things better than you found them.
Favorite movie, book, food, music/band/song:
The answer to these change constantly. My friend Toya Wolfe just published her first novel to rave reviews, called Last Summer on State Street, and that’s my current favorite book.
