Summary
Experienced and creative leader, enthusiastic about finding creative and innovative solutions to complex challenges. Fast learner capable of studying the context of challenges both systemically and systematically, with an eye for finding opportunities for emergent growth and new approaches. Excellent coach and communicator with experience presenting on creativity and innovation topics across multiple professional conferences/industry events. People-oriented and focused on meeting individual and group needs to foster a dynamic and healthy work environment.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Innovation Facilitator
US Space Command
07.2022 - Current
- Designed and implemented curriculum on design thinking and innovation methodologies.
- Facilitated mission-critical design thinking sprints for real-world strategic national security challenges.
- Created and facilitated organizational and leader development workshops for multiple directorates across the organization.
- Developed post-event reports to determine effectiveness of each event.
- Full responsibility for management of $3.8M budget, acquiring all materials, resources, and technology for Strategic Innovation Group.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
Wargaming and Future Concepts Analyst
Sigmatech, Inc.
10.2021 - 07.2022
- Designed, developed, and facilitated wargames at US Space Command both independently and in support of US Joint Staff initiatives.
- Created educational materials to shape expectations, encourage experimentation, and foster non-standard decision-making opportunities.
- Prepared presentations, data tables and other documents to inform planning processes on US Space Command perspectives, utilizing assessments, analytics, and wargaming deliverables.
Special Operations Officer - Civil Affairs
US Army
03.2015 - 11.2020
- Developed innovative strategies for increased collaboration between US diplomatic agencies, partner nation diplomatic and military agencies, and the US military.
- Independently organized and delivered multiple impact projects in vulnerable communities totaling over $20,000 through partnership with nonprofit organizations.
- Entrusted to lead the only US military bilateral coordinating team across multiple mission-critical countries in northeastern Europe; recognized at end of tour as most impactful Civil Affairs team to have served within Lithuania by the US Embassy.
- Oversaw the operations and reporting of five Civil Affairs teams across the middle east by establishing positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and achieving mission objectives.
- Conducted in-depth strategic analysis of civil variables, focusing on political, economic, and social considerations within multiple countries to identify gaps and opportunities for increased US support to vulnerable regions.
- Coordinated visits and provided briefs to very important personnel (VIPs) improving knowledge and awareness of operational activities, programs and offerings.
Field Artillery Officer
US Army
01.2012 - 03.2015
- Developed doctrines and goals for unique missions and instructed troops.
- Lead 44-soldier platoon, overseeing all training, logistics, and operations both in garrison and deployed in combat environments.
Education
Master of Science - Creativity And Change Leadership
07.2023
- 4.0 GPA
Capstone Project
- Exploring the Use of Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TRPGs) to Highlight and Develop Creativity Competencies, May 2023 - Downloaded 65 times across 17 countries as of 22 August, 2023
Additional Credentials
- Applied Creativity, Thinking, and Problem-Solving Microcredential
- Creative Education: Innovative Learning, Thinking, and Problem-Solving Microcredential
- LEGO Serious Play methods - Teams and Groups
Skills
- Cross-functional Team Leadership and Development (Coaching and Instructing)
- Design Thinking methodologies and Creative-Problem Solving approaches
- Collaboration and Consensus Building
- Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Analysis
- Written and Oral Communication (Public Speaking, Presentations, and Seminars)
- Resilience: rapid adaption and high tolerance for ambiguity/complexity
- Visionary Thinking and Ideation
- Curiosity/Possibilities Thinking: open to novelty and exploration of new ideas, tolerant of risk
- Rapid Learning/Skill Acquisition
Affiliations
- Creative Education Foundation - Member
- World Experience Organization - Member
- College of Extraordinary Experiences - Alumni
Hobbies, Interests, and Personal Development
Colorado Springs Gold Rush Lacrosse Club - Men's Senior A Semi-Professional Box Lacrosse Team
Patriot Lacrosse League - Volunteer coach for U8 girls lacrosse
Programming - Currently studying Python and Java languages
Additional Information
Workshops and Presentations
- March 2022 - Florida Creativity Conference: Roll for Initiative! Using Traditional Gameplay to Teach Affective Skills (Workshop, 90 minutes)
- June 2022 - Creative Problem-Solving Institute: Game On (Part 1)! How Games Create Opportunities to Practice New Skills and Game On (Part 2)! Designing Your Own Game for Affective Skill Development (Workshops, 90 minutes each)
- October 2022 - IMEX America: In-Sourcing Creativity: Building and Developing Creative Teams (Presentation, 60 minutes)
- February 2023 - SITE Global Conference: The Secret Sauce of Transformative Design (Presentation, 60 minutes)
- May 2023 - SITE Texas Technology and Innovation Summit: Innovating for Human Experiences: Designing with Intention to Facilitate Transformation (Presentation, 75 minutes)
Timeline
Strategic Innovation Facilitator - US Space Command
07.2022 - Current
Wargaming and Future Concepts Analyst - Sigmatech, Inc.
10.2021 - 07.2022
Special Operations Officer - Civil Affairs - US Army
03.2015 - 11.2020
Field Artillery Officer - US Army
01.2012 - 03.2015
Buffalo State University - Master of Science, Creativity And Change Leadership
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