MBA Sustainable Solutions
ENGAGE THE GENERALISTS.
WE BRING ALL THE PIECES TOGETHER.
An enterprising and agile leader in climate policy and sustainability management bolstered by a broad background in international business development, entrepreneurial success, and executive management experience that spans industries and continents
Sustainable Solutions with Global Perspectives
Currently serving as the Climate Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Prague, I work with government officials, partner agencies, NGOs, and businesses to tackle the most meaningful issues of the climate crisis such as promoting a clean energy transition, building capacity for effective ESG disclosures, and working to improve mechanisms for sustainability financing.
The baseline of my deep understanding of sustainability frameworks, strategies and practices was formed while earning an MBA in Sustainable Business Solutions. That knowledge was put into practice during consulting projects, by launching a successful company in California, and while teaching at universities in Germany. Beyond climate and energy expertise, I also contribute insights gained from extensive international management experience. I helped Shell Oil build a company in Hungary, managed a manufacturing business in Bosnia, and served as Executive Officer at USAID in Egypt.
At each step along my unconventional career path, I was counted on to make tough decisions, unify diverse teams toward common purpose, and communicate effectively to broad audiences.
A WORLD OF EXPERIENCE
CO-FOUNDER
San Francisco, California
ADJUNCT FACULTY / LECTURER
Munich, Germany
CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST Prague, Czech Republic
COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER
Prague, Czech Republic
INTERNATIONAL TRADE SPECIALIST
Pontiac, Michigan
BREWER
Alexandria, Virginia
LOGISTICS MANAGER
Szekesfehervar, Hungary
PLANNING ASSISTANT
Budapest, Hungary
GENERAL MANAGER
Brcko, Bosnia & Herzegovina
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Cairo, Egypt
WORK HISTORY AND EDUCATION
2021 - Present
CLIMATE CHANGE OFFICER
U.S. Embassy
Prague, Czech Republic
2018 - 2021
COMMUNITY LIAISON
U.S. Embassy
Prague, Czech Republic
2017 - 2018
BREWER
Port City Brewing Company
Alexandria, Virginia
2014 - 2016
BOARD OF ADVISORS (volunteer)
Green City Project
Munich, Germany
2014 - 2016
ADJUNCT FACULTY / LECTURER
EU Business School and New European College
Munich, Germany
2011 - 2018
CO-FOUNDER
The Can Van
San Francisco, California, United States
2009 - 2011
MBA in SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
Presidio Graduate School
San Francisco, California, United States
2005 - 2008
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
USAID, Egypt
Cairo, Egypt
2002 - 2005
GENERAL MANAGER
IBD (Construction Material Manufacturer)
Brcko, Bosnia & Herzegovina
1997 - 2002
INTERNATIONAL TRADE SPECIALIST
U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service
Pontiac, Michigan, United States
1995 - 1997
LOGISTICS MANAGER
Shell Gas Hungary, Rt.
Szekesfehervar, Hungary
1995 - 1997
FINANCIAL PLANNING INTERN
Shell Hungary Rt.
Budapest, Hungary
1994
BBA MARKETING with a Minor in INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Public Speaking
International Management, Cross-Cultural Decision Making, Leading in Uncertain Environments, International Business Expansion, and Sustainable Business Strategy
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND ANECDOTES
Raising Climate Ambitions in the Czech Republic
For several years the United States was not viewed as a reliable partner in addressing climate change. When I accepted the role of Climate Officer for the U.S. Embassy, one of my top priorities was to re-establish America’s climate integrity within the Czech Republic. With broad expertise in sustainability strategy, I was able to speak confidently with executives and government officials on a wide range of climate policy issues. I sought out speaking engagements, formed networking groups, and organized numerous events each of which elevated the Embassy’s climate change credibility. To undergird the Embassy’s reemergence on climate issues, I also initiated a sustainability program at the Embassy which included measures such as installing an electric vehicle charging station.
As a result of my active engagement, I developed a network of experts, executives, and high-ranking government officials who again see the U.S. Embassy as a leader in climate action. I have been able to use the growing influence to nudge Czech climate ambitions higher. The Czechs, for example, have been hesitant to sign the Global Methane Pledge. Now, due in part to my stewardship of the issue, they have agreed to join the initiative. My influence has also brought together the Czech Ministry of Environment with a consortium of industry leaders to begin negotiations on the implementation of a deposit return system which would be a win for the country’s circular economy efforts. I have also attracted an American electric car manufacturer to join my efforts advocating for the Czech government to increase its investment in charging infrastructure.
Co-founded the first mobile canning service in the world
The Can Van set the standard for how mobile canning services operate worldwide. The venture affords smaller brewers and beverage producers the chance to reach new markets and cut costs with a more environmentally friendly packaging option. Along with my partners, I conceptualized business and drafted a business plan, researched market potential, devised market entry strategy, evaluated technology and logistical requirements and presented the business case to investors for seed funding. I sold my ownership to two of my partners in 2018 but continue to be involved in the business as needed.
Check out the continued success of the business under co-founders Lindsey and Jenn's fantastic leadership here.
Managing Diverse Teams and in Challenging Environments
The Can Van was not my only success growing a business. In Bosnia I grew a manufacturing business into a reputable company supplying material to markets around southeastern Europe.
One of my most rewarding opportunities to lead was as General Manager for IBD, a manufacturing company in Bosnia. In that capacity I managed thirty-two employees comprised of Serbians, Croatians and Bosnian Muslims who were somewhat hesitant to trust each other after the wars in the Balkans. I took the time to get to know each of my employees personally in order to understand their interests, and abilities. I sought opportunities to celebrate the workers’ differences while also uniting them toward the common goals of the business. I also created a reward system where everyone shared equally in the success when major company goals were achieved. My aim was to establish a culture of respect. I wanted them to trust each other and trust me. Of course, there were challenges and setbacks, but together and in a difficult commercial environment, we grew a business that literally helped rebuild the country.
After a couple years of trial, error, and determination, I was particularly proud one weekend when my deputy invited me to visit one of the factory workers who was using some of our products to construct a house for his family. When I showed up at the work site, I was thrilled to see my Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian teammates working together to lift blocks into place, spread mortar and help each other build the house. Naturally, I pitched in too. I went home that night muddy and exhausted, but wide awake with pride. Running a successful business is one thing, but fostering trust across ethnic divides, that is truly rewarding.
Taking Businesses from Pontiac to Pretoria and Beyond
Helping Shell Gas Rt. build a business in Hungary taught me many practical business lessons for doing business internationally. Understanding first-hand the challenges of culture, systems and competing interests helped me better serve the U.S. companies that I guided into foreign markets when I worked as an international trade specialist for the U.S. Commercial Service. As a direct result of my assistance, my clients entered new markets and expanded export sales around the world.
The Answers Are Not in the Back of the Book
Fresh from university graduation, I was given the chance to work for Shell Oil in Budapest, Hungary. There, I quickly found out that lessons from lectures and text books do not always translate into the daily operations of a business. Launching Shell Gas Rt, my team mates and learned how to build systems and procedures from nothing and how to rapidly adjust to changing circumstances. Those early lessons have made me a more agile and resourceful leader.
Time Well Spent
While my wife learned Czech in preparation for an assignment to Prague, I took a sabbatical year to indulge an interest in commercial brewing. I learned the commercial brewing process form grain to glass, and assisted master brewers in producing world class craft beer. My experience launching a mobile beer canning company was advantageous when I worked the packaging line, filled kegs, and sanitized brewing systems. I also advised on the brewery’s sustainability initiatives.