After six great years, I’m stepping away from something I’ve always wanted
There aren’t many places that hold more meaning for me than the University of Central Florida.
I’m a proud alumnus, and since graduation, I’ve wanted to find a way back—to give something back. For years, I built a career in engineering and IT, working in aerospace, telecommunications, healthcare, and other industries. I had the privilege of managing teams, learning from incredible mentors, and tackling big challenges.
Six years ago, I saw a posting for a job at my alma mater that I really wanted. On a whim, I also applied for another position in a technology space I wasn’t especially familiar with. I didn’t get the job I had set my heart on—but someone took a chance on me, and I’m grateful they did.
That job turned into six years of meaningful work. And while I joked that I wanted the job to get Wi-Fi in the football stadium (spoiler: I didn’t), what I did get was far better—smart, dedicated colleagues, strong senior leadership, and a shared mission: to support teaching, learning, and research at one of the nation’s most dynamic universities.
I’ve been lucky to have a great boss here. Even as the executive leadership churned, there were both senior leaders and peers who kept showing up and getting the job done.
Throughout my career—not just here, but in every chapter—I’ve been especially privileged to have had some incredible people work for me. I’m truly touched by the kind and generous words many of them have shared as I prepare to move on. Some have tried to give me credit for helping with their success, and to that I can only say the credit is all theirs. I’ve done nothing except help them see what they were already capable of.
That kind of trust and collaboration is a gift.
I also know there are a few (at least five that I know of) who feel I was the worst manager in the history of the universe. Sorry about that, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. I always tried to do my best for the team in the spirit of service leadership, and as a disciple of Coleman’s Laws.
So why leave a perfectly good job?
It’s not because I’m chasing something better. It’s because I’m stepping into a new kind of unknown—something that doesn’t come with a job title or a paycheck.
For the first time since before I enlisted in the Navy, I don’t have a job waiting on the other side. That’s a little scary. But it’s also exhilarating.
What I do have is an adventure—and a personal mission. I’ll be part of the 2025–26 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, sailing 40,000 nautical miles across six continents. As part of that journey, I’m also raising money in support of the organization that stood by my brother-in-law during his battle with brain cancer. I hope you’ll consider reading his story and supporting the cause:
Charting a Course for Hope – Tisch Brain Tumor Center
I believe in closing good chapters the right way. UCF has been one of the best. I leave grateful—for the opportunity, the people, and the mission we served together.
Go Knights… Charge On!
