PIMD would like to welcome the following team members to our division. Scroll down and learn more about what they do and why they decided to join Berkeley Lab.
Why did you join Berkeley Lab?
I was eager for a professional challenge and ready to relocate to an area with better social and economic opportunities for my family.
What is something about your role that people might not know?
I am fully matrixed to ALS-U’s removal and installation group. My office is located in 46-A near the ALS-U project management team which is why you may or may not see me in building 76 often (unless there is a Pi Day party)!
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
I enjoy sailing and have for many years chartered sailboats in the Caribbean.
Why did you join Berkeley Lab?
I am honored to be part of Berkeley Lab and working along with a passionate team to help make contributions to science.
What is something about your role that people might not know?
One thing that people may not realize about my role is that I’m constantly learning and adapting to new information. I enjoy learning new things and meeting new people.
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
I enjoy gardening and traveling.
Why did you join Berkeley Lab?
Being a part of Berkeley Lab was very appealing to me as it was an opportunity to leverage my DOE experience from LLNL while supporting the amazing science that is being conducted here.
What is something about your role that people might not know?
I am still learning my role and I expect to learn just as much from the project managers I oversee as I expect them to learn from me. What I look forward to the most about the role is the opportunity to help grow the skillset of project managers within our organization.
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
My bachelor’s degree is in geology and although I don’t practice it anymore, I do have a sizable rock collection that I’m quite proud of! I also used to do quite a lot of swing and salsa dancing that I’d love to get back into.
Why did you join Berkeley Lab?
Ever since becoming a parent, I have always wanted to work with an organization that was very forward thinking and innovative, ‘an eye on the future’ as they say. I care deeply about the future of our society and our planet. Unfortunately, I spent the first 15 years of my career working in the oil and gas industry, which is definitely the opposite of ‘forward thinking’. What better way to make amends then to join an organization on the cutting edge of green energy technology!
That perspective, combined with the fact that I had several connections at the lab, who all gushed about how great the work environment was here, I jumped at the opportunity to join!
What is something about your role that people might not know?
As a project director, I get to skate the thin line between ‘politics’ and ‘actually getting the job done.’ It’s my job to make sure all stakeholders are involved in the work, felt like their opinions and concerns are heard and addressed, while still ensuring that we have a productive project. If I give the stakeholders to much say, then the projects grind to a halt due to two debilitating diseases: analysis paralysis and scope growthiosis. If I completely ignore the stakeholders, the project may proceed on schedule and on budget, but we will end up with unsatisfied or angry clients, who won’t want to work with us again! This balancing act is the most frustrating and most rewarding part of the job. It keeps it interesting and challenging everyday!
Do I have a future as a politician? Probably not… but I’ll have plenty of practice keeping everyone happy all the same.
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
I have lots of hobbies and interests. Work hard, play hard, right! They include: Skiing, traveling, running, coaching my kids soccer and baseball teams, movies, beer brewing, wine tasting, and Poker! If anyone shares those interests, let me know! All my hobbies are definitely more fun with friends!
Why did you join Berkeley Lab?
I chose Berkeley Lab because I wanted to work on complex and unique infrastructure projects. I also knew that PIMD would provide the tools and support I need to be successful.
What is something about your role that people might not know?
The work we do and the decisions we make are largely data-driven. Project managers are expected to know their data and be able to extract what each stakeholder finds meaningful. Effective communication, relationship building, and data analysis are all key to delivering successful projects.
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
Running is a relatively new interest of mine. I’ve started seriously training this year, completed my first 10k, and have signed up for a few half and full marathons at Disneyland and Disney World (I am also a huge Disney fan).
Why did you join Berkeley Lab?
I have known the Lab as a high caliber organization for many years, so when there was an opportunity to join, it was an easy decision.
What is something about your role that people might not know?
Commissioning is the best way to learn about how things work.
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
I have some plants that I water and several of them continue to survive.
