I worked as a mechanical technician on NASA's Space Shuttle Program, turning wrenches and getting my hands dirty inside and around the space shuttle fleet. Our team loaded the fuel cells with liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen. I was part of the red crew, the mechanics who are on standby in case any last-minute repairs are needed before they press the launch button. I remember taking my wife to see her first space shuttle launch. When the rocket started taking off, you could feel the pressure pounding in your chest and the force of the shuttle through your whole body.

I served in the Army from 1993 to 1999 and joined a NASA contractor right after I left the service. While working as a technician, I obtained a management information systems degree under the GI Bill. This eventually led to a job as an HR information systems analyst.

I am an avid runner and a triathlete in the making. I am still working my way up to my first Half Ironman, which is a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run. I love to combine my passions of running and travel. I ran the Berlin Marathon on September 29, followed by the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. on October 27.

The HR and recruiting team cares about Tria's employees and each other, and we rely on one another to get our missions completed. As a veteran, I find fulfillment in knowing that my role directly and indirectly supports veterans.

When I joined the company in November 2022, Tria was just being created through the combination of three smaller companies. I was one of the key contributors who received special recognition for supporting the merging of HR, payroll and timekeeping systems into a single system.

Being in a remote environment, my rule of thumb is if my Microsoft Teams light is green, I am available for problem solving, process improvements or any discussion that makes our team stronger. I like to learn from my coworkers and share my knowledge with them to create team efficiencies and cohesion.