Nathaniel Curtis
6271 NYS Rte. 86, Wilmington,NY
Summary
For over twenty years, I've been at the forefront of dynamic problem-solving across environmental, industrial, governmental, and nonprofit sectors, consistently prioritizing sustainability and environmental stewardship. My leadership style revolves around cultivating vibrant workplaces, centered on clear communication, community-building, and accountability. Whether navigating the digital realm or leading in-person collaborations, I've championed sustainable growth, even during periods of significant business expansion. Drawing from a profound connection to the outdoors, I've always ensured organizational culture and efficiency evolve positively, aligning seamlessly with REI's dedication to outdoor life and environmental conservation.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Rope Access Manager
Mistras Ropeworks
06.2019 - Current
- Oversaw development and compliance for one of the world's largest rope programs, with ~1200 active employees in division and $120 million in revenue
- Fostered program’s pivot from reliance on oil and gas to diversified industries, and built alliances within company’s other product and service lines to coordinate company-wide shift into renewables, infrastructure, and other target markets
- Leveraged outdoor orientation and green energy commitment to access new recruiting from outdoor climbing and related communities
- Redesigned in-field employee mentorship and career path mapping to enhance employee performance and retention
- Initiated rope access in unused or underutilized regions and offices while balancing cross-regional P&L pressures in dozens of offices and sites across North America and Europe
- Revamped training program to integrate recruiting distribution in response to pandemic-driven staffing shortages, with new focus on SAR and ski patroller talent pool
- Oversaw transition of inventory tracking and inspection program to new global digital system with desktop audit capabilities to reduce manhour and travel costs. Worked with development team to refine UX and backend database
- Standardized company procedures across multiple acquisitions, nations, and languages
- Worked with regulators, standards bodies and industry groups to revise equipment and practice standards. Currently serve on various ANSI subcommittees, co-founded cross-industry trade groups such as the Ontario Rope Access Association and chair the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians Regulatory Assistance Committee
- Enriched relationships with outdoor equipment manufacturers like Petzl and Sterling
- Revitalized company-wide audit and performance survey methodology and regularity, with emphasis on employee engagement and mentorship
- In-demand speaker for internal leadership seminars and conferences, as well as front-facing sales and development seminars and forums.
Eastern Regional Manager, Northeast Regional Rope Access Manager, Coordinator, Supervisor
Mistras Ropeworks
01.2011 - 01.2019
- Developed and executed new business plan with a new division in the Northeastern US, growing P&L from launch to millions across multiple offices
- Designed and built training center
- Built multi-site North Slope, Alaska program into a $20 million a year program, the largest of its kind in Mistras
- Managed extremely high-paced environment, with rapid transitions between meetings, scheduling, accounting, HR liaising, and business development
- Wrote local procedures and advised on corporate procedures
- Redesigned audit program
- Executed site audits and program wide audits
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired
- Developed new hire mentor program
- Conducted and maintained training and staff development programs
- Developed strategic plan with full stakeholder buy-in, focusing on improved system efficiency, accountability and structures of communication
- Implemented KPI tracking system that leveraged measurable savings into further business
- Provided oversight and evaluation to troubled programs
- Managed large inventories
Consultant
Joe T. Hodo Films/School Of Authentic Journalism
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Wrote English language press releases for both school and films, positioned marketing language for organization
- Managed logistics for students traveling to Mexico
- Developed narratives for digital campaigns and fundraising materials
- Conducted background research and site scouting throughout Mexico
- Provided translation consultation and editorial oversight
Executive Director
ILAND
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Managed dozens of fellowship and residency programs for projects that featured collaborations of scientists and artists with focus on art and dance interacting with the natural world
- Used collaborative methods to facilitate community building workshops
- Managed organization budget and funding development
- Ran annual symposium at New School University
- Regular speaker at panels around New York City
- Developed a board retreat program to improve board's engagement and peer collaboration.
Rope Access Supervisor/Technician
Remote Access Technologies/East River Rigging
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Worked in almost every type of rope access environment, from bridges and dams to large buildings and other structures to large rock scaling
- Mentored new employees, sold additional work to clients, estimated and bid jobs
Supervisor
United States Department of Agriculture
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Supervised large scale eradication programs for invasive species, with 10-20 government climbers, up to 50 smoke jumpers, and up to 50 contract employees
- Participated in contract requirement development and bid evaluation for major contracts
- Spoke regularly at town halls and other community engagement events, including adult and child continuing education forums, to deal with
- Developed evaluation program for new employees
- Designed integration program for contract and government groups
- Revised asset management program
- Handled major portions of Incident Command structure for outbreaks, including setting up large scale eradication and inspection programs
Education
Philosophy And Religious Studies
Queens College
Queens, NYSkills
- Employee Recruitment, Training, and Mentorship
- Multi-site Management/Operations
- Community Engagement
- Revenue Growth
- Public Speaking and Writing
- Quality Control, Standards and Procedural Development/Harmonization
- Facility Inspections
- Supplier relationships
- Logistics, Inventory, and P&L Management
What I do away from my desk
Mountain biking, skiing, hiking, jazz trumpet
Previously, rock and ice climbing, ultrarunning, environmental poetry
Timeline
Global Rope Access Manager
Mistras Ropeworks
06.2019 - Current
Consultant
Joe T. Hodo Films/School Of Authentic Journalism
01.2014 - 01.2018
Eastern Regional Manager, Northeast Regional Rope Access Manager, Coordinator, Supervisor
Mistras Ropeworks
01.2011 - 01.2019
Executive Director
ILAND
01.2010 - 01.2011
Rope Access Supervisor/Technician
Remote Access Technologies/East River Rigging
01.2008 - 01.2011
Supervisor
United States Department of Agriculture
01.2006 - 01.2010
Philosophy And Religious Studies
Queens College
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