I next served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, forward deployed to USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) in Yokosuka, Japan, 1994-97. I learned immeasurably about management, leadership and fellowship across regional, political and racial differences during those years.

I then pursued a legal career, graduating from Fordham University School of Law, in 2002, and worked as a corporate attorney until 2010, including at the premier law firm of Debevoise & Plimpton. These years provided rigorous training about organization and analytical scrutiny.

Since 2010, I have worked in the distribution of wine, learning about marketing, sales, relationship development, the interdependence of our food chain and the communal value of dining. I also connected with a far broader array of people in New York City, our country and the world, through various client, distributor and winery relationships, than ever before.

I love travel and learning about new cultures and communities.  In the Navy, I lived in Japan for three years and visited eight other Asian nations.  After college, I backpacked through eleven European countries.  Working in wine distribution, I traveled extensively in France, Italy and Spain.  In total, I have visited five continents and approximately 35 different countries.

I am also fortunate to have visited 35 U.S. states, but a lot of that travel has arisen from personal obligations, rather than open-minded vacationing.  American Tributaries is part of my personal effort to make amends and become newly curious about our country.

In some respects, this project and its focus on education brings my life full circle. My grandfather was a mathematics professor at St. John’s University and my mother was an elementary school educator until I was born. I am excited to fall back into this family legacy and to use it to improve our nation.