ENGAGE THE GENERALISTS.
WE BRING ALL THE PIECES TOGETHER.

CLIMATE CHANGE OFFICER

U.S. Embassy

Prague, Czech Republic

2018 - 2021

COMMUNITY LIAISON 

U.S. Embassy

Prague, Czech Republic

BREWER

Port City Brewing Company

Alexandria, Virginia

2014 - 2016

BOARD OF ADVISORS (volunteer)

Green City Project

Munich, Germany

ADJUNCT FACULTY / LECTURER

EU Business School and New European College

Munich, Germany

CO-FOUNDER

The Can Van

San Francisco, California, United States

2009 - 2011 

MBA in SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

Presidio Graduate School

San Francisco, California, United States

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

USAID, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

GENERAL MANAGER

IBD (Construction Material Manufacturer)

Brcko, Bosnia & Herzegovina

INTERNATIONAL TRADE SPECIALIST

U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service

Pontiac, Michigan, United States

LOGISTICS MANAGER

Shell Gas Hungary, Rt.

Szekesfehervar, Hungary

FINANCIAL PLANNING INTERN

Shell Hungary Rt.

Budapest, Hungary

1994

BBA MARKETING with a Minor in INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND ANECDOTES 

Raising Climate Ambitions in the Czech Republic​

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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. 

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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.

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Taking Businesses from Pontiac to Pretoria and Beyond

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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.