One of my favorite quotes comes from the naturalist Aldo Leopold, “It must be poor life that achieves freedom from fear.” In my personal life, it has inspired me to become PADI certified in scuba even though I dread open water, and that certification has enabled me to live amazing experiences scuba diving in Fiji and snorkeling off the Galapagos Islands. In my professional life, it means that I understand clients often need or want to explore risky options in order to advance their mission or their goals. While ensuring compliance with the law is critical, it is just as important to me to offer guidance to help evaluate and manage risk within the gray space that organizations often operate. I am an experienced attorney with a strong government background in a variety of legal areas, with particular knowledge of law enforcement and criminal law, national security, and international media / journalism. Skilled in legal and policy analysis, teaching and instruction, program evaluation, and change management, I emphasize a forward-leaning practice of law that focuses on risk management and client support. My core principles as a leader and manager in a dynamic professional environment revolve around customer service, transparency, good judgement, and to expect of myself and my colleagues the highest integrity and the highest caliber of work product. I live by the philosophy to provide a professional space where individuals can feel free to grow and to produce exceptional work, applying their own judgment, and taking responsibility for their efforts.