I completed my Masters Degree in Information Technology with concentration in Internet Security. I'm also a Microsoft Certified Application Developer, as well as holding numerous other well-respected certifications, but it wasn't always that way. I'm one of those people who started out self-taught, and completed a formal education while working in the field.

I've found that I'm happiest, and most effective, at the intersection of people, process, and technology. This has lead to a convergence of skills and experience associated with several different career paths. Consequently, I've often been asked whether I prefer managing or hands-on coding. From my perspective, that's a bit like asking if I prefer breathing or eating -- I can't imagine life without either, but only a few foods are my favorites, and not all air smells like roses. I find working with people to be deeply rewarding, but some days nothing is more enjoyable than heads-down coding.

Software development allows me to change the world. This week, hundreds of people will receive a paycheck that was generated, in part, by code I wrote. Others will go about their lives unaware that their office is climate controlled with a system designed using software I wrote. Someone will go to the doctor and not worry about how the money gets from the insurance company to the provider, but I'm very proud that my designs and source code facilitated that back-end payment. If the doctor is well-qualified, that could be due in part to the Continuing Medical Education he or she received, possibly through a platform I helped develop. Later today, someone will visit the Library of Congress and have a wonderful experience without ever knowing the kiosk system is running on code I helped deliver.

In terms of Software Development, my experience has been that best practices are best for a reason, and nearly all common problems have already been addressed via patterns. I prefer an Agile environment, because I believe the final product is better when all stakeholders are involved, and the cost of change is cheapest at the beginning.

I've spent the majority of my career on the Microsoft stack, but I'm an advocate of selecting the appropriate tool for the job no matter who created it. (I'm encouraged by Microsoft's recent moves to embrace the Open Source movement.)

I pride myself on being a highly collaborative leader, and a consensus builder. People who have worked for me have a tendency to follow me around. Indeed, there is one individual who I have now hired 4 separate times! Consequently, I've garnered a reputation for having an exceptionally low turnover rate.

I believe people work most effectively when they are well-informed and feel like their opinions are considered and respected. My leadership style is not one of micromanagement; rather, I prefer to approach technology management by offering mentoring and guidance while holding subordinates accountable. Trust is a 2-way street.