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At work: I am a professional engineer that manages multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects in the city of Virginia Beach. My projects vary from sidewalk projects to park projects to roadway/intersection projects. The coolest part of my job is being able to walk on the sidewalk or drive on the road after it’s built.
Home and family: I live in Virginia Beach but was born and raised in Spotsylvania. I fell in love with the area by attending Old Dominion University and decided to stay down here 16 years ago.
Volunteer activities: I have been an active volunteer in the American Society of Civil Engineers since my collegiate days at ODU. I have held many leadership positions in ASCE but the leadership role that has given the most is volunteering as the practitioner adviser with the ODU ASCE Student Chapter. I am able to give back to my alma mater and encourage the next generation of civil engineers.
Motivating factor: My family, and being able to serve and better my community through my work.
Advice to young people: Two things, both that my dad told me growing up. My dad always said, “It ain’t worth having if it ain’t worth asking for.” Don’t be afraid to take risks. You don’t know what you can accomplish — and your strength — until you challenge yourself. And call your momma.
Professional goal in five years: Serving as director of American Society of Civil Engineers Region 4.
The one thing I’d change about Hampton Roads: The traffic.
Inside Business
Region’s biggest asset: The water, whether it’s river, bay or ocean.
Downtime: Cooking, listening to music, bowling, building Halloween decorations for the yard (we build throughout the year), and just spending time with friends and family.
What really gets under my skin: Indecisiveness.