Graduating with a 4.0 GPA and perfect attendance in the Instrumentation and Industrial Automation Technology program, I mastered the foundational aspects of process control, including the advanced math and physics underlying process variables and electrical theory. This intensive training instilled the technical competence and discipline necessary to manage complex control systems and maintain the safety and reliability standards required in high-stakes manufacturing environments. 

Following trade school, I launched my career into a four-year electrical apprenticeship, completing 8,000 hours of comprehensive on-the-job training and 576 hours of technical coursework, earning my Journeyman Electrician license. I developed confidence working on low to medium voltage applications and implementing preventative strategies for instrumentation, automation, and process control systems. I excelled in industrial electrical construction, power distribution maintenance, and troubleshooting critical production equipment used in paper manufacturing. 

After obtaining my Journeyman Electrician license, I moved back home to work as a Power and Controls Technician establishing myself as a subject matter expert in process automation and equipment reliability.  I specialized in critical production equipment troubleshooting and repairs, leveraging my expertise in PLC and DCS programming to optimize system performance and minimize production loss. By consistently delivering technical solutions that enhanced facility uptime, I established the technical authority and leadership capacity necessary to manage and mentor professional technical teams.

As the Power and Controls Process Manager, I am responsible for the electrical safety, asset reliability, and automation performance of a primary paper machine and its supporting infrastructure. I manage the execution of mill-wide shop repairs and 24/7 rotating shift coverage to ensure total operational continuity. Having led several multi-million dollar system integration projects, I oversee everything from control equipment procurement and programming to final commissioning. I prioritize long-term reliability planning and equipment lifecycle management while focusing on workflow optimization and the development of high-performing technical teams.

Earning a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership and Technical Management provided formal structure to the leadership and decision-making responsibilities I had already been developing in the field. The program focused on areas such as change management, financial analysis, and organizational behavior, strengthening my ability to approach operational challenges with a more structured and informed perspective. It reinforced the importance of aligning team execution with departmental goals, ensuring that day-to-day decisions support the broader mission, vision, and long-term objectives of the organization.