Q+A Profile - Data and AI

Question 1.
What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about helping organizations and people solve meaningful problems through data, analytics, AI, and education. I enjoy bringing together technical and business perspectives to create practical solutions that drive real impact, while also mentoring teams, building collaborative environments, and helping others grow and succeed.

Question 2.
What do you like most about MANTECH?

What I like most about MANTECH is its strong people-oriented culture. Many organizations talk about supporting employee growth and career development, but MANTECH genuinely invests the time, resources, and opportunities to help people grow and succeed in meaningful ways.

Question 3.
What is or has been the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

One of the most unusual and memorable jobs I’ve had was maintaining plants in commercial spaces. One of my clients was a mall with three massive skylit atriums filled with large trees that required quarterly overnight maintenance. There was something surreal about climbing trees in a dark, empty mall in the middle of the night, and just as memorable were the spontaneous footraces my team and I would have down the length of the mall after hours. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

Question 4.
What advice do you have for those looking to start a career in Data and AI?

Focus on building strong fundamentals and stay curious. Data and AI are evolving quickly, but the most successful people are the ones who understand how to solve real problems, communicate effectively, and continue learning over time. Instead of focusing on tools or hype spend time understanding data, critical thinking, business context, and how technology can create meaningful impact. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions, collaborate with others, and gain hands-on experience wherever you can.

Question 5.
What do you wish people understood about Data and AI?

I wish more people, especially clients, understood how critical a strong data foundation and effective governance are to achieving meaningful results with AI and analytics. Successful AI isn’t just about the technology itself, it depends on having trustworthy data, clear processes, aligned goals, and the right organizational support in place. When those foundational elements are strong, AI and analytics can drive impactful outcomes across nearly every part of an organization.

Question 6.
How do you balance career and home life?

I try to balance career and home life by being intentional with my time and focusing on what matters most in both areas. Work is important to me, and I’m passionate about what I do, but I also believe it’s important to make time to recharge, spend time with people I care about, and stay connected to things outside of work. I’ve learned that balance isn’t always perfect every day, but maintaining perspective and setting priorities helps me stay centered.

Question 7.
What’s your favorite place in the world?

My favorite place in the world isn’t a single destination, it’s being out in nature, especially in cool mountain areas surrounded by dense forests, rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife. There’s something incredibly peaceful about towering trees, mist rolling through the mountains, the sound of rushing water, and spotting animals moving quietly through the landscape. Those kinds of places feel both grounding and inspiring to me.