Employment Prior to Academia
I have an extensive background in non-profit leadership and entrepreneurial business. I can use this experience to make connections between what students are learning in the classroom and the modern analytical challenges they will face in many careers. Archaeology and anthropology equip students to see the big picture, learn from the past, and evaluate arguments by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of evidence. I can also use my business background to advise students on a range of career opportunities.
Vice President, Product and Brand Development (1998–2000). InnoVentry (a technology startup company). Developed and deployed two new consumer brands and five new products in two years. Led staff of twelve designers and engineers in product development process. Also, Vice President, Corporate Priorities (2000–2001). Evaluated potential strategic initiatives to determine corporate priorities. Reported directly to CEO, President, and CFO of InnoVentry.
President and Chief Operating Officer. Monterey Water Company. Manteca, California (1993-1998). Raised $7 million in equity capital from investors (one of three corporate officers responsible). Co-founded and directed company operations. Led corporate growth strategy through site selection, leasing, regulatory permitting, and construction of all new locations. Grew revenue from $0 to $1 million annually. Opened 75 new outlets in 25 cities in four years. Monterey Water Company is an on-going business offering purified drinking water in central California.
Executive Director, Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, Breckenridge, Colorado (1990–1993). BOEC, a non-profit organization, is a national leader in outdoor adventure education for people of all ages with disabilities and special needs. Provided operational, development, and curriculum leadership. Raised $500k, started an endowment, doubled participants in three years, and completed a new facilities building project. Also served as an instructor for team-building and leadership activities. Led staff of 18.
U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, Department of Agriculture, Philippines (1989–1990). Taught and assisted small-scale agriculturalists and 4-H Youth Program with agricultural production and income-generating projects. Worked for the Philippine Department of Agriculture. Focused on a community irrigation project to enable a second rice crop.
Field Office Coordinator, Institute for Shipboard Education, Semester at Sea, University of Pittsburgh (1985–1988, also includes other positions). Designed educational field trips into twelve countries for undergraduate and faculty participants on semester-long around-the-world academic voyages. Worked with faculty to develop educational experiences in each country to complement on-ship course curricula (e.g., visits to universities and places of historical and cultural significance). Also taught international travel techniques and cultural sensitivity to undergraduate participants. Employed on-ship and in the program office in Pittsburgh.
Chief Ranger, Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, New Mexico (1984–1988 summer, plus other positions 1978-1983). Taught, refined curriculum, led, and hired 175 undergraduate-aged staff annually for five years. The Ranger staff taught outdoor skills to young men and women (aged 13 to 21) and their adult leaders to prepare for 12-day backpacking expeditions in the southern Rocky Mountains. Also responsible for leading search and rescue operations. The Chief Ranger position is the highest seasonal position at Philmont.
Vice President, Product and Brand Development (1998–2000). InnoVentry (a technology startup company). Developed and deployed two new consumer brands and five new products in two years. Led staff of twelve designers and engineers in product development process. Also, Vice President, Corporate Priorities (2000–2001). Evaluated potential strategic initiatives to determine corporate priorities. Reported directly to CEO, President, and CFO of InnoVentry.
President and Chief Operating Officer. Monterey Water Company. Manteca, California (1993-1998). Raised $7 million in equity capital from investors (one of three corporate officers responsible). Co-founded and directed company operations. Led corporate growth strategy through site selection, leasing, regulatory permitting, and construction of all new locations. Grew revenue from $0 to $1 million annually. Opened 75 new outlets in 25 cities in four years. Monterey Water Company is an on-going business offering purified drinking water in central California.
Executive Director, Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, Breckenridge, Colorado (1990–1993). BOEC, a non-profit organization, is a national leader in outdoor adventure education for people of all ages with disabilities and special needs. Provided operational, development, and curriculum leadership. Raised $500k, started an endowment, doubled participants in three years, and completed a new facilities building project. Also served as an instructor for team-building and leadership activities. Led staff of 18.
U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, Department of Agriculture, Philippines (1989–1990). Taught and assisted small-scale agriculturalists and 4-H Youth Program with agricultural production and income-generating projects. Worked for the Philippine Department of Agriculture. Focused on a community irrigation project to enable a second rice crop.
Field Office Coordinator, Institute for Shipboard Education, Semester at Sea, University of Pittsburgh (1985–1988, also includes other positions). Designed educational field trips into twelve countries for undergraduate and faculty participants on semester-long around-the-world academic voyages. Worked with faculty to develop educational experiences in each country to complement on-ship course curricula (e.g., visits to universities and places of historical and cultural significance). Also taught international travel techniques and cultural sensitivity to undergraduate participants. Employed on-ship and in the program office in Pittsburgh.
Chief Ranger, Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, New Mexico (1984–1988 summer, plus other positions 1978-1983). Taught, refined curriculum, led, and hired 175 undergraduate-aged staff annually for five years. The Ranger staff taught outdoor skills to young men and women (aged 13 to 21) and their adult leaders to prepare for 12-day backpacking expeditions in the southern Rocky Mountains. Also responsible for leading search and rescue operations. The Chief Ranger position is the highest seasonal position at Philmont.
"Kiva" entrance in U.S. Southwest