The BOEM Regional Directors Spotlight dives into the professional and personal journeys of the leaders managing our nation's offshore energy resources. Through their stories and career advice, the series offers a unique perspective on the Bureau's work and the individuals who navigate the complexities of federal service with dedication and expertise.
Describe your career before BOEM?
Prior to accepting a position with BOEM (then MMS) I worked in academia, for the State of Texas, and the private sector.
What brought you to BOEM?
I was the Director of an Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory in Houston when one day I received a call from a friend who said “call this number and ask about this specific job.” Well, I made that call and was asked about my background and then told “please submit your application.” A couple weeks later I was interviewed and asked some very interesting, if not weird, questions. Do you know about corals, Yes, Ph.D. and post doc. Do you know about the Flower Gardens? Yes, part of my dissertation. Do you know about pollution? Yes, part of my dissertation and current job. And then possibly the strangest – have you ever visited or worked in a disturbed area? Yes, the middle East. Well, I must have said the right things, so I got the job, was immediately trained as a COR and then put on a flight to Panama to monitor the MMS Panama Oil Spill Study. Shortly after returning, General Noriega was arrested in Operation Just Cause in the very hotel where I stayed! Maybe that’s why I was walking around a bunch of military vehicles to get to my meetings – never gave it a much of a thought.
What is your role in the Bureau?
Currently, I have the honor and the pleasure of serving as the Regional Director of the BOEM Gulf of Mexico Region.
What advice would you give others pursuing a similar career?
Always be flexible, adapt, and expect change! Just because you have a specific expertise – expand it, learn something new, constantly! Never turn down a challenge. If you are asked to do something you’ve never done – “say yes”, then go learn how to do it. Finally, always remember you are a public servant; you don’t work for a company – more is expected of you every day. Live up to the expectations of our citizens.
Lastly, why BOEM?
I get to apply and improve my skills in a fascinating, multifaceted environment. The ocean has always been an integral part of my life and here I get to work daily on issues critical to the marine environment and to our country. Everyday, whether its conventional or renewable energy, marine minerals, or our developing new responsibilities in carbon sequestration and maybe even hydrogen, I am challenged to help support the needs of our nations and which often have international and global implications – there is no Planet B.