Finding Purpose in a Career of Circuits and Service
When people think about careers in information technology, especially in the utility sector, they usually imagine wires, data centers, dashboards, and automation. And they wouldn’t be wrong. I’ve spent my professional life working on some of the most complex and mission-critical systems in the country—from helping to build one of North America’s first automated electric grids in Chattanooga to leading technology transformation in Austin.
But beneath all the technical layers, my career has been driven by something more personal: a deep sense of purpose rooted in my faith and a strong belief in public service. I didn’t start in this field because I wanted to chase the latest technology trends. I started—and stayed—because I believe in using my skills to serve people and communities.
Where Faith Meets Work
My faith has always been the foundation of who I am. It influences how I lead, how I treat others, and how I view the responsibility that comes with managing systems that so many people rely on every day.
In the world of public utilities, the stakes are high. Power outages, water quality issues, security threats—these aren’t abstract problems. They affect real families, schools, hospitals, and businesses. When I sit in a leadership role, I don’t just think about uptime and efficiency. I think about stewardship. Am I using the resources I’ve been given wisely? Am I building systems that are not just functional, but fair and resilient? Am I showing up with integrity?
My faith teaches me to lead with humility, to listen well, and to treat people with dignity—whether they’re part of my team, my customer base, or the broader community. And while faith is deeply personal, I’ve found that these values resonate across belief systems. Most people want to feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves.
Technology as a Public Calling
Over the years, I’ve come to see technology in the public sector as a form of service. It’s easy to think of IT as something that lives behind the scenes, but in reality, it’s the foundation of how cities function. When we get it right, most people never notice—but when we get it wrong, the impact is immediate and widespread.
That’s a tremendous responsibility. But it’s also an opportunity to serve in a quiet, meaningful way.
At EPB in Chattanooga, we helped transform the city’s power grid into one of the most advanced in the nation. That wasn’t just a tech win—it was a community investment. The smart grid made power more reliable, opened doors for innovation, and created a backbone for growth in healthcare, education, and small business.
Later, in Austin, my role at the water utility brought new challenges. Water isn’t just a resource—it’s life. Helping modernize water infrastructure meant improving not just service delivery, but public health and environmental sustainability. That kind of work demands not just technical expertise, but heart. And I was proud to be part of a team that cared deeply about both.
Civic Engagement Beyond the Day Job
Some of the most rewarding experiences of my career have happened outside the walls of the organizations I’ve led. I’ve had the privilege of serving on advisory boards and nonprofit boards in both Tennessee and Texas. These roles have allowed me to stay close to the community, listen to different voices, and support causes that matter—education, digital equity, infrastructure resilience, and workforce development.
Board service has taught me the power of collaboration and long-term thinking. In government and nonprofit work, change doesn’t always come quickly. But when it does, it’s because people showed up, stayed engaged, and kept the mission in view.
One thing I’ve learned is that leadership doesn’t require a title. Whether you’re a board member, a mentor, or a volunteer, you can make a difference by showing up with consistency, curiosity, and care.
Mentorship, Legacy, and the Next Generation
As I look ahead, one of the things I care most about is mentoring the next generation of technologists and public servants. We need more leaders who understand that technical systems are social systems, too—interconnected with equity, policy, ethics, and community trust.
When I talk with young professionals, I encourage them to ask deeper questions. What kind of impact do you want your work to have? Who are you really serving? What values are guiding your decisions?
It’s not always easy to find that clarity in the noise of deadlines and deliverables. But when you do, it gives your work weight. It makes even the most technical tasks feel like part of a bigger story.
Staying Grounded in a Fast-Moving World
The world of technology is fast. It changes constantly, and it’s easy to get swept up in the race for new features, better metrics, and more data. But over the years, I’ve learned that staying grounded in faith and purpose is what gives lasting meaning to the work.
I’ve led during blackouts, cyberattacks, droughts, and major system overhauls. Through it all, what’s kept me steady isn’t just knowledge—it’s conviction. A belief that leadership is service. That progress should be thoughtful. And that people come first.
Purpose That Powers Everything
My journey in technology hasn’t just been about machines and systems. It’s been about people, values, and purpose. And for me, that purpose comes from a simple but powerful place: a desire to serve well and lead with heart.
Whether I’m at a board meeting, in a data center, or mentoring a young leader, that’s what I hold on to. Because in the end, technology changes—but service, integrity, and purpose never go out of style.