My USACE experience taught me the importance of early and continuous environmental coordination. Engaging regulators during the conceptual phase, not just after design begins, helps shape more feasible, compliant, and resilient projects from the start. 

Another critical takeaway is integrating environmental analysis into every design milestone. Giving design teams real-time access to environmental data helps minimize impacts, streamline approvals, and avoid delays. That proactive, collaborative approach remains central to how I manage complex projects today. 

As a former USACE district commander, I saw firsthand how projects could be derailed by late-stage environmental concerns. Those lessons continue to guide my commitment to early alignment and cross-disciplinary collaboration at GFT. 

The Storm Surge Suppression Study for the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District was a standout. It was the first regional effort to address storm surge-related flood vulnerability across the upper Texas coast, and its recommendations formed the technical backbone of today’s Coastal Texas and Sabine Pass to Galveston projects. It had a profound impact on how we approach resilience on a regional scale.

I’ve also been proud to support major navigation efforts like the Freeport Harbor Channel Deepening Study and Port of Corpus Christi’s La Quinta Channel project, which advanced key infrastructure for national energy exports. Each project combined technical depth with strategic execution to drive long-term impact.

Port Houston’s ecosystem restoration projects also stand out. While initiated as mitigation, they showed how infrastructure enhancements can also restore critical habitats. That partnership-driven success story underscores how environmental and economic goals can and should align.

Navigating the complexities of civil works starts with listening to the project owner, the community, environmental advocates, regulators, industry, and local leadership. These projects are deeply embedded in regional identity, so understanding the broader social and environmental context is essential.

I prioritize early engagement and transparency, especially in historically underserved or environmentally sensitive areas. When stakeholders feel heard and respected, they become collaborators. That input directly informs designs that are resilient, sustainable, and efficient.

My journey with GFT began 18 months ago through an acquisition, and the integration process has been outstanding. What immediately stood out was GFT’s people-first culture and the strategic clarity with which the company operates. 

GFT recognizes that our greatest asset is our talent, and that’s evident in how we empower teams, invest in professional growth, and align around shared success. What keeps me here is the strong leadership, the commitment to innovation, and the unwavering focus on delivering exceptional value to our clients. It’s a culture of excellence that drives results, and that’s both motivating and meaningful. 

Spending quality time with my family is how I truly recharge. We enjoy hiking together. It’s a great way to disconnect from the day-to-day and reconnect with what matters most. I also find peace and perspective through fishing, sporting clays, and gardening.

And when it’s time to unwind, you’ll find me reading or cheering on the Astros, Penn State football, or Steelers football — lifelong passions that always keep me energized.