Experience

Pitkin County

• United States
• Government Administration
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Communications Project Engineer

  • Aug 2021 - Present

  Plan, organize, and manage functions, personnel, equipment, and resources engaged in facilities maintenance, site development, technical operations, and lease and tenant relations at communication sites. Systems include: TV and FM translators, microwave backhaul, fiber, local and state land mobile and digital trunked radio, and wireless broadband.



Aspen Skiing Company

• United States
• Travel Arrangements
• 700 & Above Employee

• Winter X Games & Special Event Ski Patrol Lead

  • Nov 2015 - Present

  Transformed Ski Patrol planning, logistics and operations for the international Winter X Games from a passive, reactionary stance into a progressive, collaborative team approach. Facilitate a seamless integration of the 4 Aspen Ski Patrols with ESPN/Disney Management, X Games Medical Director & Staff, Medicine in Motion and local first response agencies. Led medical operational coordination and Medical Action Plan development for 2021 FIS Freestyle World Cup and Grand Prix, in an… Show more Transformed Ski Patrol planning, logistics and operations for the international Winter X Games from a passive, reactionary stance into a progressive, collaborative team approach. Facilitate a seamless integration of the 4 Aspen Ski Patrols with ESPN/Disney Management, X Games Medical Director & Staff, Medicine in Motion and local first response agencies. Led medical operational coordination and Medical Action Plan development for 2021 FIS Freestyle World Cup and Grand Prix, in an accelerated 5-week timeline & delivered expert response & care to athletes.

• Professional Ski Patroller and Mountain Weather Forecaster

  • Nov 2014 - Present

  Buttermilk Mountain -Deliver daily weather briefings to Buttermilk Mountain Operations -Ensure safety of patrons within the ski area through mitigation activities and public outreach -Render first aid to injured guests, and serve as Mountain Dispatch as needed.

• Lift Evacuation Coordinator

  • Dec 2016 - Apr 2019

  -Executed a complete overhaul of the Lift Evacuation Plan and training requirements to include ICS, NIMS and tabletop exercises -Designed, developed conducted and evaluated the testing, training and exercise of the Plan -Prepared department budget and spending plan -Expanded training of lift evacuation technicians from once per season to multiple times per month -Grew cable riding program from 4 to 8 trained cable riders -Expanded training to include Lift Operations and Lift… Show more -Executed a complete overhaul of the Lift Evacuation Plan and training requirements to include ICS, NIMS and tabletop exercises -Designed, developed conducted and evaluated the testing, training and exercise of the Plan -Prepared department budget and spending plan -Expanded training of lift evacuation technicians from once per season to multiple times per month -Grew cable riding program from 4 to 8 trained cable riders -Expanded training to include Lift Operations and Lift Maintenance -Ensured interoperability and consistency of training between the 4 Aspen Ski Patrols -Inspected & maintained high and low angle evacuation equipment



University of Hawai‘i System

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• DHS/FEMA-Certified Instructor, Evaluator and Subject Matter Expert

  • Jul 2013 - Present

  Nationwide Instructor: Lead eight courses in Weather, Climate, Social Media and Emergency Management. Regularly requested by name and consistently receive superior reviews from participants and hosts. Evaluator: Evaluate instructor performance, instruction style, adult pedagogy and effective communication of technical information. Provide tailored feedback & constructive guidance to assist instructors in overcoming challenges observed during instruction. Subject Matter Expert: Planned… Show more Instructor: Lead eight courses in Weather, Climate, Social Media and Emergency Management. Regularly requested by name and consistently receive superior reviews from participants and hosts. Evaluator: Evaluate instructor performance, instruction style, adult pedagogy and effective communication of technical information. Provide tailored feedback & constructive guidance to assist instructors in overcoming challenges observed during instruction. Subject Matter Expert: Planned, designed and led a complete course content update for Winter Weather Hazards AWR-331 and Social Media Engagement Strategies PER-343 DHS/FEMA Certified Instructor for: -Tornado Awareness (AWR-326) -Winter Weather Hazards: Science and Preparedness (AWR-331) -Climate Adaptation Planning for Emergency Management (AWR-347) -Community Planning for Disaster Recovery (AWR-356) -Flooding Hazards: Science and Preparedness (AWR-362) -Social Media Platforms for Disaster Management (PER-304) -Social Media Engagement Strategies (PER-343) -Social Media Tools and Techniques (PER-344) Show less



Elk Mountain Technology

• RF Communications Construction & Maintenance

  • Jun 2017 - Present

  Snowmass, CO Install and maintain communication systems and infrastructure including microwave, radio, TV/FM and IP.



Disaster Podcast

• Disaster Meteorologist and Emergency Management Consultant

  • Nov 2016 - Present

  www.disasterpodcast.com Contribute weekly on the “Disaster Podcast” providing subject matter expertise in meteorology and emergency management. Research and present a weekly “Disaster Weather Roundup” on high-impact global natural hazard events; Assist in interviewing guests; Integrate & relate meteorology, first response, emergency management & social media to disaster medical operations.



Epicenter Innovation

• United States
• Public Safety
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Digital Media & Weather Decision Support Specialist

  • Jul 2016 - May 2022

  North America -Deploy virtually and on-site to enhance preparedness and response capabilities of public- and private-sector organizations during critical events and emerging incidents. -Provide subject-matter expertise to operational and executive leadership.

• Consultant & Instructor

  • Nov 2015 - May 2022

  North America Assist clients in developing emergency plans; developing, delivering and evaluating trainings, drills and exercises; and providing guidance to executive leadership on natural and technological hazard planning and response, and digital media.



Pitkin County Sheriff's Office

• Public Safety
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Senior Dispatcher & Training Officer

  • May 2019 - Aug 2021

  In addition to Emergency Dispatcher duties below: -Curate and deliver training for staff & user agencies on operational communications resources -Serve as COML, developing ICS-205 communication plans for county events and incidents -Train staff on mass notification tools and techniques including Everbridge -Educate new dispatchers on calltaking and radio dispatching

• Consultant / Subject Matter Expert

  • Mar 2019 - Dec 2020

  -Reviewed and revised County Emergency Operations Plan under EM Director’s guidance -Created and maintained COVID-19 Situation Report template for EOC and IMT reporting to agency administration -Curated public outreach materials for county mass notifications

• Emergency Dispatcher

  • May 2018 - May 2019

  Across 1000+ square miles from 7,000ft-14,000ft in elevation, urban to wilderness: -Answer, prioritize and dispatch incoming emergency & non-emergency phone and radio calls -Coordinate response and additional resources on emergency incidents -Ensure proper documentation of activities and events -Monitor county jail operations



Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

• United States
• Public Safety
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Training Coordinator, Colorado Virtual Operations Support Team (COVOST)

  • Jul 2016 - Jul 2019

  Worldwide Led digital volunteers to monitor and data-mine digital media communications for situational awareness and information to support state and local Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, and executive officials during crises and planned events. -Curated monthly trainings and exercises for 50+ members across the U.S. and 3 countries on current and emerging tools and techniques to monitor and data-mine digital media. -Maintained training logs for members and digital training… Show more Led digital volunteers to monitor and data-mine digital media communications for situational awareness and information to support state and local Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, and executive officials during crises and planned events. -Curated monthly trainings and exercises for 50+ members across the U.S. and 3 countries on current and emerging tools and techniques to monitor and data-mine digital media. -Maintained training logs for members and digital training repository. -Introduced a mix of live and pre-recorded trainings including world-renowned guest speakers Show less



Bluebird Productions

• United States
• Events Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Event Logistics, Office and IT Support

  • May 2017 - Nov 2017

  Snowmass, CO Provided subject-matter expertise in event logistics and planning. Directed & supervised vendors, venue staff and Bluebird clients & guests to ensure successful event execution. Administered office and IT support of hardware & software. Managed warehouse inventory and receiving.



Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP)

• Student Fellow

  • Dec 2013 - Jan 2015

  Awarded a competitive $3000 student research grant. Developed and led a team of three peers on an original project to curate 25 satellite data product information pages for the WxSat app and SSEC RealEarth data viewer. Served as a rapporteur for the Education Committee, documenting telecons and annual meetings. Utilized collaborative technologies including Google Docs, Twitter, WebEx and Facebook. Presented Education Committee initiatives and my research at annual ESIP meeting poster… Show more Awarded a competitive $3000 student research grant. Developed and led a team of three peers on an original project to curate 25 satellite data product information pages for the WxSat app and SSEC RealEarth data viewer. Served as a rapporteur for the Education Committee, documenting telecons and annual meetings. Utilized collaborative technologies including Google Docs, Twitter, WebEx and Facebook. Presented Education Committee initiatives and my research at annual ESIP meeting poster sessions. Show less



Allegan County Sheriff

• United States
• Law Enforcement
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Emergency Management Specialist (Volunteer)

  • Jul 2008 - Dec 2014

  -Responsible for tabletop scenario and IAP development; and providing on-site weather decision support, and interoperable public safety, amateur radio and data communications for the annual B-93 Birthday Bash music festival (30k/day attendance) -Worked closely with the local National Weather Service office to assist in obtaining the “Storm Ready County” designation -Provided weather decision and communications support for, and conducted ground searches with County Search and… Show more -Responsible for tabletop scenario and IAP development; and providing on-site weather decision support, and interoperable public safety, amateur radio and data communications for the annual B-93 Birthday Bash music festival (30k/day attendance) -Worked closely with the local National Weather Service office to assist in obtaining the “Storm Ready County” designation -Provided weather decision and communications support for, and conducted ground searches with County Search and Rescue -Supported on-site communications with Secret Service and public safety agencies for 2 Presidential Visits to Holland, MI Show less



Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies

• Education and Outreach Specialist

  • May 2014 - Sep 2014

  Madison, Wisconsin Student Workshop: Planned and facilitated an intensive, 1-week workshop for high school students to broaden their knowledge and explore career paths in the geosciences. Experiences include laboratory activities, field excursions and an interactive lecture series. I designed and delivered two workshop presentations & fielded participant questions on topics including geoscience careers and degrees. Grandparents University - Meteorology Major: Led a weather balloon launch, satellite… Show more Student Workshop: Planned and facilitated an intensive, 1-week workshop for high school students to broaden their knowledge and explore career paths in the geosciences. Experiences include laboratory activities, field excursions and an interactive lecture series. I designed and delivered two workshop presentations & fielded participant questions on topics including geoscience careers and degrees. Grandparents University - Meteorology Major: Led a weather balloon launch, satellite model building activity, and Hurricane (weather) Trivia game for 15 students ages 9-14 and their grandparents. I also assisted with presentations by Space Science and Engineering Center, Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies and Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences faculty. Satellites and Education Conference XXVII: Supported the planning and logistics of the conference including presentation hardware setup and managing online session attendees via WebEx. Provided a tour of the UW-Madison campus for conference attendees. Promoted and demonstrated the educational resources and applications for viewing satellite data products CIMSS and SSEC have available. Managed the @UWCIMSS Twitter presence providing links to resources and text updates to inspire online discussion. Social Media: Launched the @UWCIMSS Twitter account. Curated and published engaging content that highlights the research, innovation, education and successes of CIMSS scientists, students and partner agencies. Promoted content for citizen preparedness during national preparedness weeks from the National Weather Service, Ready.gov and FEMA as a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador. Show less



University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Graduate Research Assistant

  • Aug 2012 - Aug 2014

  Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Completed my Masters in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences in Fall 2014. Collaborated with distinguished scientists and researchers in the Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) and Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) including Dr. Steve Ackerman and Dr. Jeff Key to complete my thesis on "The Role of Optically Thin Liquid Clouds in the 2012 Greenland Ice Sheet Surface Melt Event"



Quality Process Control Systems, LLC

• Machine Builder

  • May 2005 - Aug 2014

  Holland, MI Constructed mechanical and electrical systems for use in industrial heating and cooling equipment. Specialized in electrical panel component layout and wiring. Other duties include shipping/receiving, website design and managing shop in owner’s absence.



Storm Peak Laboratory

• Student Researcher

  • Aug 2011 - Nov 2011

  Steamboat Springs, Colorado Collaborated with 8 fellow students to research the observed effects of the June 2011 wildfires in Arizona at Storm Peak Laboratory using in-situ and remote sensing instrumentation. "Effects of Arizona Wildfires Observed At Storm Peak Lab in June 2011" presented November 2011 at Howard University in Washington, DC with team members: R. Payen, C. Ihebom, Dr. Gannet Hallar, Dr. Craig Dodson and Ian McCubbin.



Old Allegan Canoe Rental

• United States
• Public Relations and Communications Services

• Manager

  • May 2005 - Oct 2011

  Fennville, MI Managed front office and led employees in scheduling float trips and customer service. Performed mechanical and electrical maintenance on canoes, kayaks, vehicles and trailers. Educated guests about the history and biological diversity of the Kalamazoo River and Allegan State Game Area.



Grand Rapids National Weather Service Forecast Office

• Student Volunteer

  • May 2011 - Aug 2011

  Grand Rapids, MI During 13 severe weather events, provided timely decision support via NAWAS and 800-MHz radio communications to state and county emergency management agencies, operated the amateur radio station as WX8GRR net control taking spotter reports, maintained a list of issued products, fielded phone calls from spotters, and submitted preliminary local storm reports. Radar data in AWIPS and GR2Analyst was utilized to support these tasks. Collaborated with the Warning Coordination Meteorologist… Show more During 13 severe weather events, provided timely decision support via NAWAS and 800-MHz radio communications to state and county emergency management agencies, operated the amateur radio station as WX8GRR net control taking spotter reports, maintained a list of issued products, fielded phone calls from spotters, and submitted preliminary local storm reports. Radar data in AWIPS and GR2Analyst was utilized to support these tasks. Collaborated with the Warning Coordination Meteorologist and local emergency management agencies to integrate weather into their incident action plans and attended event pre-planning meetings and tabletop scenarios for large-venue events in West Michigan. Assisted in conducting three damage surveys. Photographed/documented damage, interviewed affected residents and liaised with local and state emergency management officials and their survey teams to ensure a timely, comprehensive and accurate storm survey was produced. Partnered with Electronics Technicians in maintenance and installation of CO-OP weather stations, ASOS stations and river gauges. Show less



Fennville Public Schools

• Technology Specialist

  • Sep 2005 - May 2008

  Fennville, MI Responded to and mitigated technology issues for all 1500 students and 100 staff of the Fennville Public School District. Duties included installing, configuring and performing hardware and software maintenance on desktop computers, laptop computers and wired and wireless infrastructure in 4 district buildings.