Q+A Profile - Data and AI

Question 1.
What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about developing people. I believe focusing on growth naturally drives mission success and real-world impact. This means giving people opportunities to stretch, protecting them from distractions and linking their daily work to the bigger mission. My greatest motivation comes from seeing individuals increase their confidence, capability and impact, which consistently leads to the best team outcomes.

Question 2.
What drew you to MANTECH?

I was drawn to MANTECH by trusted colleagues who praised the culture, emphasizing leadership support, work-life balance and growth opportunities – it’s an environment where people thrive.

The strong veteran presence was also significant, signaling shared values and comfort in high-consequence environments where accountability, teamwork and mission focus are vital. As a military veteran, this familiarity made MANTECH a natural fit.

Ultimately, the combination of people, culture, and mission focus made MANTECH the right choice.

Question 3.
What do you like most about MANTECH?

One of the things I like most about working at MANTECH is the way leadership empowers people rather than micromanaging them. There is a high level of trust placed in individuals and teams, which creates an environment where you are encouraged to take ownership and deliver meaningful results.

I have had the opportunity to build and deliver a couple of platforms, and MANTECH has trusted me to take those efforts from concept through execution. That level of confidence is motivating, and it reinforces a culture where accountability and autonomy go hand in hand. That balance of trust, support, and responsibility is something I value greatly and one of the main reasons I enjoy working here.

Question 4.
What is or has been the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

One of the most interesting and meaningful roles I have ever had was serving in the United States Air Force Presidential Honor Guard. In that role, I participated in ceremonies at the White House and supported events for foreign dignitaries and ambassadors, which was both unique and demanding.

The most humbling part of that experience, however, was having the honor of laying to rest fallen service members, including two former presidents, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford. Those moments carried an immense sense of responsibility and perspective, and they are something I continue to hold with me.

Being part of that organization gave me a deep appreciation for service, precision, and accountability, and it shaped how I approach leadership and responsibility to this day. It was a very special time in my career and one that I truly cherish.

Question 5.
What advice do you have for those looking to start a career in Data and AI?

My advice to anyone starting out would be to stay curious, build a strong foundation, and remember that the ability to think critically and communicate clearly will matter far longer than proficiency in any single tool or model. It’s critical to think about AI as an accelerator rather than a shortcut.

To that end, it is important to focus less on chasing specific tools or models and more on understanding the fundamentals. The field moves quickly, and many tools popular today may be far less relevant tomorrow.

Question 6.
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on now?

One of the most interesting things I am working on right now is a long running effort my team and I have been leading to develop a reference architecture for implementing AI and generative AI capabilities. The goal has been to create a flexible foundation that can adapt as tools and technologies evolve.

Over the past couple of years, the AI landscape has changed rapidly, with new tools gaining attention and then quickly fading. What makes this work interesting to me is the challenge of staying relevant while focusing on what truly matters to users and missions today. That means designing architectures that emphasize adaptability, responsible use and long-term value. It keeps me engaged because it forces us to continuously reassess what is important, how people actually use these capabilities and how we can enable others to adopt AI in a way that is sustainable and effective.

Question 7.
How do you balance career and home life?

I try to be very intentional about separating work from home life. When I am off work, I make a point to disconnect and spend quality time with my family, and that time is something I value highly.

At the same time, I am naturally curious and genuinely enjoy the field I work in. I often read articles or keep up with developments in Data and AI outside of work, not because I feel obligated to, but because it interests me. I have found that this curiosity allows me to bring new ideas and perspectives back into the workplace in a way that feels energizing rather than draining.

For me, balance is about being present in both areas of my life. I stay engaged and growing professionally while still protecting family time and making sure neither comes at the expense of the other.

Question 8.
What’s your favorite place in the world?

I have had the opportunity to live in several countries throughout my life, but one place that has always resonated with me is Norway. I was drawn to the culture and the way people seem to live more humbly and intentionally. There is a sense of simplicity there that I really appreciate.

I also enjoy the atmosphere and the strong connection to history and tradition, from Viking history to the folklore and cultural stories that are still embraced today.

Spending time there gave me a sense of perspective and calm that has stayed with me, which is why I would consider Norway my favorite place.