1. What do you do?
I'm a lead on Google's Energy Policy & Markets team. In this role, I spearhead the company's energy regulatory and policy affairs efforts in key markets. I bring nearly a decade of experience in the tech and utility industry to this role.
Most recently, I was the senior regional manager of Microsoft's commercial energy markets in the Southeast, where I led negotiation and procurement of power capacity for new AI and cloud data centers.
Prior to that, I held various roles for NextEra Energy subsidiary Florida Power & Light Company. I've also made appearances on CNN, The Weather Channel, and various local television stations.
2. What’s the coolest part of your job?
There are so many cool parts of my job! The coolest has to be that I am working at the intersection of the data center and energy boom. We are witnessing a modern day industrial revolution thanks to the growth of artificial intelligence and enterprise cloud services, and I am on the front lines of it.
3. Why are you passionate about it?
The main reason I am passionate about my job is economic development and leadership. When a company is looking to enter a new market or move its headquarters to a new area, the company has to evaluate the resources that ecosystem brings to the table.
These resources include such things as a skilled workforce, universities, access to air, rail and ports, as well as affordable and reliable electricity. However, since the pandemic, companies are now also factoring in access to a robust digital infrastructure for its operations.
In comes my data center role at Google. America is at a monumental time in its history. A modern day industrial revolution is happening, and I feel strongly that my job at the intersection of energy and data centers is helping the U.S. to meet the moment and position itself as a global tech and energy leader.
4. Which skills from your IAC degree have helped you be successful in this career?
The analytical and leadership skills I acquired through my master’s in economics have been foundational to my career in energy and tech.
It's helped me properly analyze the economics behind and cost-benefits of regulations, policies, and projects, which is critical in strategy development. This gives me the ability to make sound decisions and lead effectively among key stakeholders in my markets.
5. What’s your #1 tip for students and alumni interested in your field?
Be adaptable. The hyperscale data center industry is fast-paced and rapidly evolving. As such, ambiguity and changing direction are sewn into the day-to-day.
A person that can be flexible, adaptable and thrive in ambiguity will surely be the one that finds success in the tech space. This makes adaptability the new competitive advantage.
Meet more featured alumni in the School of Economics!
