The BOEM Regional Directors Spotlight dives into the professional and personal journeys of the leaders managing our nation's offshore energy resources. Through their stories and career advice, the series offers a unique perspective on the Bureau's work and the individuals who navigate the complexities of federal service with dedication and expertise.
Describe your career before BOEM?
Before joining BOEM, I had a diverse career that included 8 years of service in the United States Army as an Airborne Ranger Infantryman. During those years, I spent 4 years with the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, and then transitioned to the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii until September 1997. During my time in the Army, I led subordinates during numerous military operations requiring technical and tactical proficiency.
After my time in the military, I pursued a degree in marine biology and later went on to work for various government agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Energy. As a regulator, I was responsible for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews for complex energy projects. This experience ignited my passion for working on large energy infrastructure projects.
What brought you to BOEM?
My start at BOEM was somewhat of a serendipitous moment.
While working at the Department of Energy, I was involved in public meetings supporting NEPA reviews for large solar projects in San Luis Obispo County. On one of my trips, a cancelled flight led me to drive down the 101 to LAX, and it was during this drive that I first saw the captivating beauty of where the mountains meet the Pacific in Ventura, California.
Shortly thereafter, I had the opportunity to apply for a position as the first Renewable Energy Section Chief at the BOEM Pacific Region. This role was the perfect opportunity for me to combine my leadership skills and my knowledge of renewable energy development. When I saw the office was in Camarillo, California, just minutes from Ventura, I felt as if I had hit the federal job jackpot. I was excited to bring my unique background to BOEM and use my knowledge to contribute to our agency's mission of promoting responsible energy development and environmental stewardship.
I am grateful for the chance to be a part of the BOEM team and to continue working towards our mission of promoting responsible energy development while preserving the natural and cultural resources of our offshore environment.
What is your role in the Bureau?
I have had the pleasure of serving in the Pacific Region for the past 12 years in various leadership roles. I started as the Renewable Energy Section Chief, where I coordinated the development of renewable energy projects in the offshore waters of the Pacific Region.
From there, I transitioned to the Regional Supervisor of the Office of Strategic Resources, where I was responsible for overseeing the bureau's activities related to the development of offshore energy and mineral resources in California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii.
Since September of 2021, I have taken on the role of the Pacific Regional Director, where I lead a talented team of federal scientists and program specialists. In this role, I work closely with Pacific states, tribes, coastal communities, and ocean users to implement a comprehensive and safe offshore wind leasing and development program that supports renewable energy goals and addresses concerns of stakeholders. Now with our expanded jurisdiction to the Territories, our renewable energy efforts also include the U.S. Territory of Guam.
In addition to our work on renewable energy, my office oversees ongoing regional marine and critical minerals assessment activities and manages existing OCS oil and gas leases offshore California.
It is an honor to be a part of BOEM and to work towards sustainable energy development and environmental stewardship in the Pacific Region.
What advice would you give others pursuing a similar career?
My advice to anyone pursuing a career in the federal government would be to prioritize respect and collaboration. Treat others the way you want to be treated and remember that respect is a two-way street. Building strong working relationships is crucial to success in any role.
It's also important to remain open to opportunities for growth and learning. Look for ways to expand your skill sets, seek mentorship from those in positions you admire, and be open to different perspectives to foster your own self-growth.
Don't be afraid to bring new ideas to the table, but also be a good listener to others' perspectives. Everyone has something valuable to contribute to the team, and seeking out those ideas is key to success.
Finally, be an active collaborator and problem-solver. Demonstrating initiative and developing solutions to problems will make you a valuable member of any team and foster greater program successes.
In summary, prioritize respect, remain open to new opportunities, seek mentorship and diverse perspectives, be a problem-solver, and always be an active collaborator to ensure success in your career.
Lastly, why BOEM?
I feel fortunate to be a part of BOEM, and I can confidently say that I enjoy my job greatly.
One of the many reasons I love working for BOEM is that the Pacific region has a fantastic work-life balance. The year-round great weather in California creates endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation when we are off work.
In terms of the job itself, we are working on important things for our country by moving forward with offshore wind development on the west coast. Every day is fast-paced and presents unique challenges, which keeps my work interesting and ensures that no two days are alike. As we work towards implementing national program goals at the regional level, it is incredibly rewarding to collaborate and work through complex challenges with Tribal Nations, federal and state partners, ocean users, local communities, and the public.
But one of the greatest highlights of my job is the talented and professional staff at BOEM. Working with such a dedicated team makes collaborative problem-solving engaging and rewarding.
Overall, my job at BOEM combines exciting challenges, fulfilling responsibilities, and excellent team dynamics, and I couldn't be happier to be a part of such an impactful agency.