What area do you work in within the VPFA portfolio?
I work in CPFM Utilities and Energy.

What is your current position, and what are your job responsibilities?
I manage the electrical utility distribution. This encompasses the heat plant, chiller plant, utility meters, all controls, tunnel system, and the medium voltage cabling and transformers on campus.

What has been your career path; how did you end up in your current position? 
I joined the US Army straight out of high school. After I got out, I entered the electrical apprenticeship. I did my apprenticeship in the industrial side of the trade - paper mills, mills and hydro. I then moved to a new company and focused on the commercial side. I spent several years on the hydro side as well. Getting here wasn’t planned. I got laid off for a week because the snowfall kept me out of the hydro facility I was working on. I saw a job posting at UO as an Electrical Control System Technician (ECST) and thought I would apply. I had never written a resume, so it took me a while to put together. I submitted my resume and about 8 weeks later I got a call from UO. After the interview, I was hired on as an ECST at the power plant; I worked 7 years as an ECST at the UO Central Power Station. While in this position I gained some leadership experience as the Lead ECST supervising two ECSTs. I was encouraged by plant management to apply for the supervisor position and was recently hired as the Utilities Electrical Distribution supervisor.

What obstacles have you overcome in your career?
Early in my career I was traveling for work. When I started my apprenticeship, work was slow and you had to travel for work. Keeping up to date with the ever changing industry that moves so rapidly with newer technologies, it was difficult to stay ahead of it all. With the support of UO leadership, I have been able to grow in my capacity as a leader and in my management capabilities, most recently achieving a nationally recognized professional certification in maintenance management.

What is your work history and education that enabled you to attain your current position?
Joining the Army was the best education I have ever had. After that, I did an electrical apprenticeship and attended several classes at our local college. Eventually, I attained my Electrical Supervisor license and gained experience working in the industrial and hydroelectric field. The electronic system controls, medium voltage, as well as supervisory experience in the utility field was paramount for the role as Supervisor of Utilities electrical production and distribution systems. 

How has working at UO enabled your professional goals and interests?
Working at the U of O has definitely helped with my professional goals. I was able to pass my Oregon Electrical supervisor test and move up into an OA position. I have always been interested in the electrical distribution and power generation side of our industry. Working at the U of O has allowed my career path grow with my area of interests. The development of employees is a management team priority and has led to opportunities for me professionally, and makes my job more rewarding.

What do you like about your current position?
I get to work in a place that fits in with my experience and every day is different. I have a great deal of autonomy to do my job and I feel enabled and trusted to get the job done.  I get to come to work and learn something new every day, which keeps me on my toes and keeps me learning within my field of work.