Awards and Honors
Being a father and husband are my MOST important roles.
Here are others:
Distinguished Alumni, University of Wisconsin La Crosse
TED Speaker
Community Servant - La Crosse Tribune Editorial Board
Built software company from the ground up. I developed software mentioned in 2007 edition of INC 5000
Leadership, Strategy, Project Management Expert
Graduate Commencement Speaker
Foreman Award - Project and Program Management
Outstanding Staff Member, Service Award Winner
Professional Experience
Director of Strategy Management Services, Mayo Clinic
Vice President, Rochester Branch NAACP
President, La Crosse - Rochester Project Management Institute (PMI) Chapter
Olmsted County Human Rights Commissioner
Member, American College of Healthcare Executives
Board experiences in for-profit and not-for-profit.
In healthcare, I've led numerous complex projects and managed teams to deliver solutions for patients. I've also successfully led large teams and projects for the largest furniture manufacturer in the world.
Diversity-Equity-Inclusion
I humbly stand on the shoulders of giants like John Lewis that have made it possible for opportunities we enjoy today. There is still work to be done. I will work hard to promote community, diversity,equity and inclusion.
Education
Masters of Business Administration with Ethical/Servant Leadership Emphasis
B.Sc., Bachelors of Information Systems
Education
Certified Project Management Professional (PMP®)
Certified Prosci Change Management Practitioner
Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
DevOps Certified Agile Service Manager (CASM)
ITIL Certification
Here’s my story…
Coming to America
Coming to America at the age of 21, my journey was not an easy one. With no access to financial aid or loans, I paid way through college. This involved a lot of pain, sacrifice, hard work and persistence. In the process, I developed an entrepreneurial spirit that I used to create my very own software company. I understand business and through innovation, I single-handedly developed a lumber ERP and inventory system called Lumbergear, which was mentioned in the 2007 edition of INC 5000 magazine. I also created a baseball and softball bat manufacturing software for a major sporting goods company. My skills and expertise took me to the largest furniture manufacturing company in the world where I managed numerous complex successful projects.
Community Servant
Described as a community servant by the La Crosse Tribune Editorial Board, I am an advocate for people, community, and diversity. I have brought people of all backgrounds together through positive dialogue and collaboration. The Midwest is also the longest place I have ever lived. Strong Midwestern values are a part of who I am, and Rochester is home. I served in management for a local food coop in La Crosse Wisconsin and Rochester Minnesota, where I followed cooperative principles to provide households with safe and quality food. I have also successfully worked with Police and minority communities to forge stronger relationships.
Seasoned Administrative Leader and Strategist
My board experiences spans involvement in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations that serve our community. In healthcare, I have led numerous complex projects and managed teams to deliver excellent solutions that benefit patient needs. I currently serve as Director - Strategy Management Services at Mayo Clinic’s Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) where I oversee the Innovation Portfolio including Strategic Test Development. In addition, I am responsible for the development and execution of the strategic road map, project and program management, business analysis, resource management, communication, process management, metrics management and reporting, and all other activities needed to support the delivery of strategy.
Transformative Leader
I bring a diverse perspective based on my personal background, professional experience, and community engagement. I am very engaged in the community and serve on several boards. I am President of the La Crosse – Rochester Project Management Institute Chapter, Vice President NAACP Rochester, Olmsted County Human Rights Commissioner, ,and former board member of the People’s Food Cooperative based in La Crosse, Wisconsin and Rochester, Minnesota. I am also one of the founding members of the La Crosse Interfaith Shoulder to Shoulder Network (LISSN), established in February 2016 to empower people of all faiths or no faith to work together to end anti- Muslim sentiment and hatred towards any targeted group by increasing understanding and strengthening the voice of tolerance, freedom and peace. I have challenged the status quo when needed and successfully spearheaded a community response to fight hate crime that targeted a minority business owner.
Distinguished Leader
In 2019, I was honored by my alma mater. The University of Wisconsin La Crosse awarded me the Rada Distinguished Alumni Award for my professional accomplishments and community contributions. Viterbo University selected me to give their 2019 graduate commencement address in May 2019.