In my role, I focus on overseeing Vibrant's Professional Development program. I also facilitate executive coaching as an ICF Certified Coach, design and facilitate in-house leadership development curriculum, facilitate employee engagement initiatives, oversee college and university outreach, and serve as an in-house consultant on all people oriented initiatives. I frequently meet with managers, vice presidents, and executives for individual coaching conversations. Leaders in our organization use these opportunities to reflect on their authentic leadership style and to better understand the strengths of their team.

In a world where distractions are ever present and “busy” is the word of the day, choosing to pause and invest in team and leadership development is as important as ever; because simply put, a substandard team does not perform well. In fact, it is the core component that is congruent to the success of your organization. Sexton Leadership was established to serve as a hub for resources and ideas to inspire the practice of those who guide and motivate others. The trail of leadership can get lonely at times, and it can be fraught with obstacles that no one wants to face alone. With that in mind, it's important to have good company for the journey. If you’re looking for a resource to bend an ear, help develop your team, or provide the spark to energize your organization, perhaps we might spend a portion of your journey together.

In my role at Grinnell I was responsible for the oversight of Residence Life operations and New Student Orientation programming. Provided staff supervision and development opportunities to a dynamic team of full time professionals (most of whom lived in the residence hall in their full time positions). I worked with multiple student groups in my time at Grinnell to create inclusive student programs on campus, enhance the live-in experience at Grinnell, and increase safety and security for residents in our buildings. As the Assistant Dean I served on the Deans and Directors on call team, providing support to students and staff during significant campus emergencies and communicating directly with concerned family members when the situation called for it.

In this role I oversaw an overhaul of orientation programming for new first-year and transfer students at the University, assisting in the implementation of specific and measurable program learning outcomes, and developed a strong culture of assessment to create data-informed program improvements each subsequent year. I also worked with our professional staff to recruit, train and supervise the Hawkeye Guide team...some of the most dynamic student leaders (and for many...life long leaders) I've ever had the privilege to work with. I initially managed an annual budget of just over a million dollars which we were able to trim by 20% over the course of two years by enhancing program efficiency. I also served on the On Iowa! executive advisory board, an extended orientation program introduced in the fall of 2011 to welcome all new students to the University of Iowa prior to the start of classes. In addition, I taught several courses in an adjunct faculty role including an annual fall College Transition course and several phases of the Career Leadership Academy.

While working for the Residence Life department I provided direct oversight for for buildings of approximately 1000 and 350 residents in two different roles. As you might imagine, there's never a dull moment when you start your career living in residence hall with hundreds of (primarily) first year students. Never a dull moment. In this role I provided oversight for Resident Assistant (RA) teams, full time administrative support staff, and a 24 help desk team. I had the pleasure of consistently working with some of the most outstanding student leaders on campus in this role. In addition to supervising student employees, I worked directly with elected hall government staff and provided advising focused on unique in-hall programming, and management of hall funds. This role included service on a 24 hour duty rotation focused on emergency related to physical and mental health, incidences involving drugs and alcohol, and resident safety concerns.

Served as the Manager for the Latino Native American Cultural Center during my first year in Student Development in Student Affairs program at the University of Iowa. In the role, I provided supervision for my first student staff. I worked with a several student groups, hosting events in the center and assisting them in advocating for additional program funds. In addition we partnered with several groups on campus to develop dynamic social justice programs focusing on safe for difficult dialogue focused on diversity and multiculturalism.