What brought you to LCA and how has LCA shaped who you are today?
I came to LCA as a sixth grader, not without some hesitation about leaving the friends and familiar places I’d grown up with. My parents, however, saw the potential for me to grow at LCA, both academically and spiritually. Now, as a parent myself, I’m deeply grateful for their decision and the sacrifices they made to make LCA possible for me. LCA really transformed me in every aspect. The teachers, coaches, and classmates around me taught me how to be serious about my studies, committed as a teammate, and, most importantly, to grow in character as a follower of Christ.
What activities were you involved in while a student?
One of my favorite parts of LCA was the chance to try so many different activities. I played several seasons of sports (mostly at a pretty average level) and cheered on my friends with the Blue Crew when I wasn’t on the field. I also took interim classes on subjects like entrepreneurship and architecture, traveled to Italy to study Renaissance art, performed in Arts Fest, and served on stage crew. Each of these experiences taught me valuable lessons about teamwork and leadership—and brought me a lot of joy along the way.
What are you doing currently?
I’m currently the Chief Operating Officer at Atlantis Technology, a boutique software development consulting firm.
Tell us about the road to your current career.
I studied Economics and Business at Gordon College, initially thinking I was called to nonprofit work. However, a chance meeting nearly 15 years ago with the CEO of Atlantis shifted my perspective. We talked about how Christians could serve God in the secular marketplace, especially through the lens of technology, and that conversation really changed my career path. Along the way, I earned an MBA from Boston University, which prepared me for a generalist role—giving me a high-level grasp of business operations and the ability to dive deeper into specific areas when needed. I joined Atlantis in an entry-level marketing and sales role—not because I was particularly passionate about that field, but because I admired the company’s leadership. Over the years, I took every opportunity to learn different aspects of the business. I often found myself out of my depth, learning as I went, but I kept showing up and eventually worked my way into a leadership position.
Tell us about your role and responsibilities in your job.
As COO, my job is to make sure our business operates smoothly so our CEO can focus on broader goals and strategy. I work to ensure that everyone on the team has what they need to succeed, whether that’s resources, guidance, or just hands-on support. It’s a dynamic role where no task is too small, and growing a firm is a true team effort.
How has your faith impacted your life and career after graduating from LCA?
My faith has influenced every part of my life, and LCA laid the foundation for that. In college and early in my career, I was trying to find purpose in my work. I thought my path was in nonprofits, but God had other plans. I hardly ever seem to get it right on the first try, but God has been faithful, guiding me each step of the way. I remember a guest speaker at an LCA chapel saying that, even when we feel inadequate or don’t know what to give, if we just show up for our friends, family, and communities, God will take it from there. That lesson has helped me through tough times, reminding me to keep showing up, even when circumstances can feel overwhelming.
Which faculty members impacted you the most while at LCA?
I was fortunate to have so many incredible mentors at LCA. Greg Meserole and Randle Lewis taught me how to study scripture and ask meaningful questions that strengthened my faith. Karen Elliot helped me develop as a writer. Dick Watts showed me how to approach equations with organization and persistence. And John Cissel, both as a coach and mentor, demonstrated what it means to reflect Christ in the business world. He’s still a mentor to me today, and I’m a better father, colleague, and person of faith because of him.
What are the most challenging aspects of your current job?
As a consulting firm, much of our work involves helping clients who are dealing with chaotic or broken situations. This often means stepping in to clean up problems we didn’t create and sometimes taking criticism for things that weren’t our fault. It’s essential to see an upset client not as a problem but as an opportunity to serve. We often say we don’t have to help our clients when they’re having a tough time; we get to.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Problem-solving alongside my teammates. Whether it’s a minor issue or a major project, there’s something incredibly rewarding about rolling up our sleeves together to work toward a solution.
What would you say are the top requirements (skills, mindset, etc.) for someone entering this line of work?
For consulting: resilience, perspective, humility, and perseverance.
In what ways have you stayed connected to LCA since graduation?
I’ve been grateful to stay connected with LCA in a few different ways, and I’m always happy to have an excuse to visit campus. For the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of helping coach the boys’ lacrosse team, which has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve also enjoyed attending alumni career events—getting to know career-minded students and hearing about the impressive paths LCA alumni are pursuing. Most recently, I’ve gotten involved with LCA’s newly formed DECA club, where ambitious students compete in nationwide business case competitions. It’s inspiring to support these students and see their passion for business in action.
If you could offer just one piece of career advice to today’s students, what would it be?
Take risks, don’t hold back. When I was in high school, I often wanted to stick to activities I was good at, for fear of looking silly or feeling out of place. But that mindset only limited me. Don’t let fear of failure keep you from new opportunities. Stepping out of your comfort zone builds confidence and resilience—qualities you’ll lean on throughout your career and in family life. And most importantly, remember that failure doesn’t change who you are. It’s simply part of the journey, and your identity in Christ is always secure.
