How long have you worked in the public sector?
I’ve proudly served the public sector community for more than 25 years.
How did you get your start in the public sector?
I began my journey in 2000 when I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) technician, stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Over the years, I served at several bases, deployed to Norway in 2002, and took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.
After returning stateside, I became a drill instructor, a weapons and field training “Black Shirt” instructor at Parris Island, South Carolina. Eventually, I entered a commissioning program that led me to finish my degree at the University of South Carolina. After completing my degree and basic officer training, I went on to serve as a Finance Officer at the Quantico Finance Office, the Comptroller at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico – home to the President’s Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), and later served as Congressman Darrell Issa’s Military Legislative Assistant. Following 22 years of military service, I retired and transitioned into the private sector through the Hiring Our Heroes program, which led me to SolarWinds.
What is your current role at SolarWinds?
I lead the Government Affairs function at SolarWinds. My focus is on monitoring policies and regulations that may impact our business, and more importantly, our customers. I’m always evaluating legislative developments, identifying risks and opportunities, and helping to ensure we’re positioned to support our public sector partners.
What does a typical day in Government Affairs look like?
My day usually starts with a review of key legislative developments and policy changes, both in the U.S. and abroad. I track what’s happening in Congress, review regulatory updates, and monitor relevant news that could shape the public sector landscape.
Throughout the day, I engage with a variety of stakeholders. I meet with members of Congress to discuss the implications of pending legislation, collaborate with SolarWinds leadership, and support our customer teams to ensure they’re equipped to serve our public sector customers.
The most rewarding part of my day is connecting directly with our customers. Not every company has invested in a dedicated Government Affairs function, and I see it as a privilege to provide that resource. Each customer conversation is different—some days, I’m advising, other days, I’m coaching colleagues about navigating the public space, and often, I’m simply listening to better understand how we can help.
Which skills or experiences from your military background have been most valuable in your role?
The military instills a structured, programmatic mindset and emphasizes the importance of teamwork—both of which I’ve carried into my role at SolarWinds. These skills have translated seamlessly and help me approach challenges with discipline, coordination, and a clear mission focus.
What drives your continued commitment to the public sector?
When I first transitioned out of the military, I considered moving into the commercial space. But once I joined SolarWinds through Hiring Our Heroes and became part of the Government Affairs team, I realized I could continue serving the public sector, just in a different capacity.
The mission remains the same: supporting our government partners in achieving their goals. I’ve come to appreciate that my role at SolarWinds allows me to continue making a meaningful impact every day.
When I joined the Marines more than 25 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the path my service would take. Now, after several years at SolarWinds, I’m leveraging that experience to ensure our customers stay mission-ready every single day.
