What are your primary job responsibilities?

I advise RATP Dev USA and our C-Suite on risk issues we face and how to both properly utilize risk mitigation and risk financing for these risks. As one of the world's largest public transit providers, our risks are always evolving and COVID brought new focus to the risk role and how integral understanding our risks are. I serve as the 2022 president of DFW RIMS, the third largest chapter for RIMS. This role has allowed me to provide assistance to our nearly 400 members and education programs to further promote our profession.

Why did you choose the MS-RMI Program at FSU?

I wanted to find a program that would both challenge me and fit as a full-time working professional. I was searching for an alternative to CIC/CRM/CPCU accreditations that many of my peers were obtaining. My desire was for a program that would help me achieve my career goals. The program ranking as one of U.S. News & World Report’s best online graduate programs helped to convince me this program would be ideal.

How did your graduate education help shape your professional experiences?

My experience in the MS-RMI program was wonderful with professors and fellow students alike. I built lasting relationships that have helped me as I continue in my career. Introductions to professionals from a variety of backgrounds and industries have proven to be invaluable as I continue to be a better risk professional each and every day.

How has working in your industry changed the way you look at the world?

It has, without a doubt, changed the way I view things. I am always analyzing issues from a variety of viewpoints before proceeding, which has been a blessing and allowed me to have a wider viewpoint that there are many ways to mitigate risks. Risks are a part of our everyday lives. They are never eliminated, and we must learn to live with them.

How have you stayed connected to the FSU MS-RMI Program?

Being in Texas makes this a bit difficult, but I have been blessed to have built excellent relationships and of course LinkedIn helps. I would also have to call out my favorite fellow Seminole, Mr. Twane Duckworth, who relocated to the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and has been so valuable to the DFW RIMS. We immediately bonded over our shared FSU background.

What advice would you give yourself in college?

NETWORK!!!!! Build relationships with your fellow classmates and professors. Stay involved with the alumni program. This is worth it, and your career is soon to reach new heights. And, put in the time studying, and it will pay off.

Who do you admire and why?

My father, without a doubt! He and I may be the same in so many ways, thus our headbutting. Yet, to see what he has accomplished while starting with nothing is an inspiration and something I am so proud of. He, not only has the ability to build many successful businesses as a serial entrepreneur, he has a heart and desire to help others to build a better life. Hard work and doing more than is required is the way to build something you can be proud of to pass down.

What is your favorite source for keeping up with industry news?

It would be networking and RIMS, specifically the DFW RIMS – I have to give a shoutout to the best chapter in the country.

What are your success habits?

Never stop learning and trying to improve both professionally and personally. Nothing in this world is given; it must be earned.

What is one characteristic your co-workers dig about you and one that drives them crazy about you?

I refer to myself as their insurance geek. People are relieved there is someone who enjoys reading policies and finding ways to better protect our company. Pre-COVID, I can't say too much would drive them crazy. However, at the start of COVID, I decided to grow a mullet, and somehow my wonderful wife hasn't made me cut it. I figured this would be my only time when I didn't have to be in the courtroom that I could pull it off.

If you were tasked with designing a new course at FSU for all students to take, what would it be? What books/articles would you assign?

It would be on communication!!!!! If you aren’t willing to listen to others and think your way is the only way, then you are missing out on so much. Be willing to listen, but hold firm to your beliefs.