I chose to work in higher education as the Director of Safety and Security at Houghton University because it represents the intersection of my professional experience, my personal values, and my commitment to service.

Over the past 18 years, I have served in law enforcement, investigations, and safety leadership roles, most recently with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. In that role, I was responsible for emergency response, investigations, compliance audits, and maintaining the overall safety and security of the facility. Those experiences strengthened my ability to lead under pressure, assess risk, and build systems that protect people. Earlier leadership roles in retail security further broadened my understanding of prevention, crisis management, and team coordination.

While I am proud of my background in corrections and security, I felt called to apply those skills in an environment centered on growth, mentorship, and community. Higher education offers a unique opportunity to not only protect people, but to positively influence a culture. A university campus is a place where young adults are discovering who they are and preparing for their future. Being part of that journey—ensuring students, faculty, and staff feel safe and supported—aligns deeply with my heart for service.