How does your Haverford education influence your life or career?

My Haverford education has significantly shaped both my life and career. The Honor Code at Haverford, which mirrors the West Point Honor Code in many ways, instilled in me a deep commitment to principles that resonate strongly with the Navy's Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The principles of Respect, Honesty, and Courage that I embraced at Haverford prepared me to navigate the challenges I would later face in the Navy. I routinely encountered situations where I had to choose between what was easy and what was right—decisions that often impacted those under my leadership. These moments required steadfast adherence to my core values, a discipline that was cultivated during my time at Haverford.

One of the most formative experiences of my Haverford journey was being elected to the Honor Council at the end of my IV Form year. Serving on the Honor Council laid the groundwork for my ability to hold myself and others accountable to a code of ethics. Finally, I owe gratitude to my close friend and Haverford classmate Lieutenant John McMichael, a Submarine Officer in the Navy. Commissioning about a year before me through Officer Candidate School, John played a pivotal role in shaping my path to the Navy and remains a source of inspiration. Like John, many of my dear friends from Haverford have served as mentors and trusted confidants, providing guidance and support as I navigated the challenges of life.

The recent Alumni Networking Event was a wonderful reminder of what a special place Haverford is, particularly when it comes to the strength of its network of peers. It was a truly meaningful night for me. I had the chance to return and share insights about my career in the Navy and had some fun putting my Haverford tie back on! Equally memorable was reconnecting with old classmates I hadn’t seen in years. After the event, I enjoyed a great dinner with some of those friends, which reminded me of the incredible friendships I’ve built because of the Haverford School. The evening reinforced the lasting impact of the Haverford community on my life.

What do you wish people knew about your work?

I wish people understood the complexity and responsibility involved in driving and operating a ship, as well as the trust placed in young officers early in their careers. As a Surface Warfare Officer, all things ships became my specialty. When you arrive at your first ship, your primary responsibilities include managing a team of people, called your division, and learning how to drive the ship. The ultimate milestone is earning your Officer of the Deck (OOD) qualification, a designation granted solely by the ship’s Commanding Officer (CO). This qualification is a profound vote of confidence, signifying that the CO trusts you to operate the ship in any circumstance, whether or not they are present on the bridge.

To achieve this, you must master an intricate understanding of the ship’s engineering plant, weapons systems, navigation system, helicopter, and small boat operations, as well as demonstrate proficiency at safely and effectively navigating the ship through waters densely trafficked with other vessels. You must demonstrate this knowledge daily in junior watch positions and must prove your competence through rigorous oral boards with the captain and senior officers. It took me about one year onboard to earn this qualification. The process is demanding, but it builds the skills and confidence necessary to meet the objectives of the mission and to keep the crew safe. 

What advice would you give to a Haverford graduate pursuing a military career?

The advice I would give to a Haverford graduate pursuing a military career revolves around the concept of time and how to make the most of it while you're young. I can't think of a better way to spend five years after college than in military service. You engage in work that is both exciting and meaningful, while also building a level of credibility that few other careers can match. After five years, you can make the decision to continue on your military career or move onto another challenge outside of the military!

For those considering commissioning as an officer, military service academies and ROTC programs are outstanding and efficient options. They provide significant financial and career benefits, including a free or subsidized college education and a prestigious career path upon graduation.

However, I took a different, often less-publicized route: Naval Officer Candidate School (OCS). OCS is a rigorous 13-week program in Newport, Rhode Island designed to train and commission civilians as officers. I attended OCS shortly after graduating from college, but one of the unique aspects of this program is its flexibility. The upper age limit is 37, and many of my peers were transitioning into the military after starting careers in other fields.  There are no specific degree requirements—just that one holds an undergraduate degree. I would give the advice to start that process of applying to Officer Candidate School early, perhaps even before graduation. The first step is to speak with an Officer recruiter, and the process can take a quite a while before you have a confirmed date to ship to Officer Candidate School.

What do you hope your legacy will be? 

I hope my legacy will be one of service, integrity, and meaningful impact. As a leader, I strive to inspire those I work with to pursue excellence, remain steadfast in their values, and rise to challenges with resilience and courage. I want to be remembered as someone who genuinely cared for the people under my leadership, investing in their growth and well-being, and creating an environment where they could thrive.

I hope my actions demonstrate that leadership is not about authority but about accountability and service to others. Whether through my work in the Navy or my future endeavors, I want to leave behind communities that are stronger, more connected, and better equipped to succeed because of the contributions I made.

Ultimately, I hope my legacy reflects a commitment to my principles, to my family and to making a positive impact to those around me.