I am a creative, intuitive, and spirited leader. I care deeply about my institution, my work, and the unique and talented individuals I lead and collaborate with. I architect daily. Not by drawing floorplans (though I do that sometimes too), but by living and implementing my core values of CONNECTION, EMPATHY, CREATIVTY, ORDER, and LEISURE. Leisure, you say? Yes, keep reading…CONNECTION for me is about analyzing and synthesizing people, ideas, and physical things. I am always looking and listening (and talking), to find connections and create something new and inspiring - from an exhibit about the daily life of dolphins, to internally promoting and mentoring a staff member who has the right stuff. EMPATHY is the way I listen and act. Whether it is a team member who is great at executing, but not so good at communication, or a 40 year old iconic glass pyramid that is failing, I always learn what is best in them (what needs to be protected, promoted, and celebrated) and what needs to be reimagined and improved. CREATIVITY and design thinking is the core of my architecting. I have a big tool box – visual, analytical, verbal. I even look at numbers creatively. Show me your revenue spreadsheet and I will drill into it, looking for additional data to analyze why things are the way they are and how to make them better. (Did I mention I ask a lot of questions…?)For me, ORDER is what lets creativity flourish. I’m a planner at heart and constantly synthesizing to create a framework that becomes the touchpoint and structure that supports new and creative ideas. This technique of creating a framework, not just a plan, has allowed us to upgrade and evolve Aquarium public spaces to align with our new brand over several years. It keeps the experience both fresh and connected.And finally, LEISURE… This was a tough one and leisure duked it out with joy. All these skills and hard work are meaningless if they don’t create something beautiful. My goal is to create experiences – at the Aquarium, in the office, and in my personal life - that allow people to relax, to connect with each and with new ideas, and to find joy every day.