In this role I lead the organization’s efforts to create a safe, inclusive, and resilient workplace, while also fostering strong community relationships and engaging in effective outreach. This role combines internal initiatives with external engagement to ensure a holistic approach to equity and well-being. Key responsibilities include, policy development and enforcement, training and education, support services, community engagement and outreach, data and reporting, and cross-functional collaboration.

Senior communication advisor for the nation's seventh largest National Guard organization. Public spokesman for the activities of nearly 13,000 employees geographically dispersed in 61 communities throughout Minnesota. Provided direct leadership and oversight to the Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, Government Relations, and Yellow Ribbon Company Outreach Directorates. Ensures all communication efforts, both internally and externally support the organizations three priorities: People, Modernization, and Partnerships.

Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Minnesota National Guard. Responsible for the research, development, and implementation of the Adjutant Generals strategic diversity and inclusion initiatives. Lead the strategic efforts of the Minnesota National Guard in diversity, equity and inclusion in order maximize individual and organizational potential. Advise and support 8 Special Emphasis Councils that focus efforts on internal and external customers to empower and foster change. Educate and guide leaders at all levels in self-awareness, cultural competence to improve inclusion across the force. Engage community and business in DEI best practices to ensure the MN National Guard continues to be innovative and ready to perform Federal and State Missions.

Battalion Commander the Recruiting and Retention Command consisting of 200 personnel (AGR, MDay, & contractors), 2,000 Recruit Sustainment Program Soldiers, five subordinate organizations, an annual operating budget of $8.5M, and a fleet of 155 GSA vehicles and support equipment valued at over $4.5M. Principle duties include executive oversight and integration of all battalion components, to include leadership, training, and management of all assigned personnel and equipment; serve as principle advisor to the Adjutant General and senior staff on strength maintenance; develop plans and procedures that allow for decentralized enlisted and officer recruiting throughout the state in order to meet state recruiting missions; serves as a liaison to outside agencies of the command at State and National level, to include direct communication and coordination with schools, communities, and units, three ROTC programs, three Military Entrance Processing Stations, and the MN Joint Force Headquarters. Directly support organizational priorities.

Serve as the Deputy Commander for the 347th Regional Support Group (RSG) responsible for directing, coordinating, and synchronizing all staff activities and provides oversight to assigned RSG units consisting of 750 Soldiers. Track and monitor critical equipment, personnel management, training oversight, readiness and prepares units for operational deployments in support of Overseas Contingency Operation missions and State Active Duty missions. Serve has the full-time Active Guard Reserve (AGR) officer in charge of managing all training, internal operations, State and Federal external support missions for 7 subordinate sustainment units. Provide executive level oversight to federal pay and expenditures in excess of $29 million. Provide supervision, oversight, and leadership to a full-time staff of 34 employees.

Current Operations Chief for the Joint Forces Headquarters MN (JFHQ-MN). Serves as the primary staff officer for all aspects of current operations within MN and its assigned units; including receiving mission requests and drafting orders. Manages the Joint Operation Center and execution of information management, mission assignment and tracking, situation awareness and historical documentation. Coordinates with various civilian emergency management agencies and provides oversight on MN National Guard support to those agencies during domestic operations such as flood, fire or other all hazards incidents. Integrates Current Operations with J5-Plans (FUOPS) and publishes, executes operations as required.

As the 347th Regional Support Group (RSG) Current Operations Officer provides assistance to the S3 in the responsibility for planning operations and supervision of training and mission execution as directed by the commander. Under direction of the S3 writes operational directives and plans and writes tactical orders, field training exercises, and validates training schedules. Assists the S3 with preparing courses of action and recommends actions or decisions to the commander for the accomplishment of the mission. The operations officer ensures detailed plans which support execution of policies and training strategy are in accordance with yearly training guidance. As the FTS Training Officer assists in determining training needs of the RSG and prepares and supervises training to support those needs. Furthermore, assists in establishing policies and standards for unit readiness and supervises unit efforts to meet readiness standards. Additionally, provides expertise in the “how to” of training, as well as development and management of training functions. Prepares and reviews operations and concept plans to include simulation exercises.

I am the Operations Officer for 1st Battalion, 194th Regiment based out of Brainerd, MN and currently deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation New Dawn. Our Battalion is comprised of more than 600 Army National Guard Soldiers from across Minnesota. Our mission from July to December of 2011 was to secure the largest withdrawal of American forces since the Vietnam War out of Iraq. In just over a 5 month period our BN was credited with conducting over 700 missions, traveling over 1 million miles through 11 Iraqi provinces. We secured over 54 million gallons of fuel and over 24,000 civilian contracted semi trucks and trailers. All this was accomplished without a single casualty. We will continue our mission in Kuwait training as a Mobile Reaction Force ready to mobilize within the region.

Function as the Executive Officer for the Deployment Cycle Support (DCS) Division within the J1. Supervise and synchronize all functional elements within DCS encompassing the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) reintegration program, establishment of BTYR Communities, Family Programs, Youth Programs, ESGR and the Joint Support Family Assistance Program in order to provide training, services and referrals to soldiers and their families within the deployment cycle. Manage multiple funding accounts to ensure that all funding is executed in coordination with NGB PMs and state funding guidance. Established and manage contracted services and personnel that allow DCS to maintain and deliver services to our customers. Perform duties as the event OIC for BTYR events as required.

Member of the International Pistol team at the U.S. Army Marksmanship Team. Competed internationally representing the United States and the U.S. Army earning medals at multiple World Cup competitions. Ranked top 7 in the world at the 1991 World Cup Finals. Member of the Bronze medal team - 1990 World Championships (Moscow). Five time consecutive National Champion (1990-1995). Member of the 1988 Olympic Team (alternate).