Background & Credentials
The full story is on the About page — this page is for anyone who wants the specifics: military service, career, education, and volunteer work.
Military Service — US Navy
I served 23 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8). Over that career I built and led training programs at scale — as Curriculum Manager for the Center for Naval Leadership, I supervised 20 facilitators delivering leadership courses to more than 3,500 Navy and Coast Guard sailors. As Command Career Counselor at Fleet ASW Training Center, I built a career-development program that earned my command the Fleet Anti-Submarine Training Center's FY09 Retention Excellence Award. And as Combat Systems Senior Enlisted aboard USS Howard DDG-83, I led four divisions — roughly 60 personnel — through a Northern Arabian Gulf deployment. Previous commands include: USS Brooke FFG-1, USS O'callahan FF-1051, USS Cook FF-1083, USS Harry W. Hill DD-986, USS Princeton CG-59, NAB Coronado Security Det.
Professional Career — Huntington Ingalls Industries - Mission Technologies
After the Navy, and a decade (2012–2021) as a Training Representative, with AMSEC which is now referred to as Huntington Ingalls Industries – Mission Technologies Corp (HII-MTC) I moved into project management. I currently serve as Project Manager for CVN 79 training, overseeing development and delivery of training products for new-construction and overhaul aircraft carrier programs delivered to Navy and shipyard personnel.
Motorcycle Skills Training — National Motorcycle Training
For roughly 20 years (2000–2021), alongside my other work, I taught motorcycle skills part-time — as Chief Instructor at San Diego Motorcycle Training and Director and Chief Instructor with the National Motorcycle Institute. Across those roles I estimate I taught close to 10,000 beginner riders the fundamentals of making wise risk decisions and skillful motorcycle operation.
Education
- BS in Psychology, Columbia Southern University — Summa Cum Laude (2008–2010)
- AS in General Studies, Central Texas College
- Web Design & E-Commerce Certificate, Thomas Nelson Community College (2012–2013)
Volunteer Service — Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE)
I completed the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) training course in 2018 and have volunteered with Virginia Cooperative Extension ever since. In late 2021 I was selected as EMG Coordinator, a role I've held continuously since. My volunteer work includes:
- Web site designer - Editor/Admin
- Leading EMG training for incoming volunteers
- Writing articles for The Smithfield Times
- Staffing plant clinics and plant sales
- Other EMG program activities as needed
Community & Civic Involvement
- Member, Nansemond Beekeepers Group - 2025-present
- Past Commander, Holloway-Moore Post 273, American Legion (Poquoson, VA) - 2013-2017
- Former Training Lead, Poquoson CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) - 2016-2017
Certifications
- FAA Part 107 — Remote Pilot Certificate (2026)
- Extension Master Gardener — Virginia Cooperative Extension (2019)
- Project Management Professional (PMP) — Project Management Institute (2022-present)
- Master Training Specialist (MTS) — Commander, Naval Education and Training Command (2004)
- Afloat Training Specialist (ATS) — Navy Afloat Training Group Pacific (2000)
- Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist (CAS) — Anti-Terrorism Accreditation Board (2009)
- Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist
- Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist