From Service to Culture: Living What Matters
My decade in the military shaped nearly everything about how I think and lead — and what I care about most: people, culture, service and making a difference that lasts.
When I transitioned out of the military to civilian life, I wasn’t just looking for a new job. I was looking for a place that aligned with my values — a team who believed in service, collaboration and purpose. I’ve found that place at Atmus.
Learning to Lead
Leadership has always been part of who I am. I started my military career as an enlisted combat medic because I wanted to serve others and make a tangible impact. From the start, I knew I eventually wanted to become a commissioned officer. But first, I wanted to understand what it meant to serve on the front lines. I believed that to lead well, I needed to stay grounded in the experiences of those I led and to never give an order I wouldn’t be willing to carry out myself.
That foundation guided my career. Before earning my degree and becoming a logistics and transportation officer, I helped develop an educational program at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point focused on addressing the cultural roots of sexual harassment and assault. It centered on building healthy relationships, leading through challenges and empowering others to intervene. I later taught the program, certified instructors across the U.S., and even had opportunities to speak at Fort Leavenworth and the White House. Those experiences deepened my belief that true leadership isn’t just about authority; it’s about culture, trust and creating lasting change.
In the military, work and life are deeply intertwined. Your team becomes your family, and collaboration is non-negotiable. You never leave anyone behind. You trust, support and depend on one another. That environment taught me that humility, approachability and high standards can coexist — and that’s how you build a high-performing team.
The Army demands that kind of culture because lives depend on it. What I’ve learned at Atmus is that those same principles — trust, collaboration, shared purpose — can drive extraordinary results in any organization.
Finding a New Purpose
I had planned to serve for another decade, but injuries forced an unexpected transition. Without the usual preparation time, I found myself asking big questions: What’s next? Where do I belong?
For several years, I worked in consulting and truly enjoyed my time solving problems alongside incredible clients and brilliant colleagues, yet I was still searching for a workplace that valued collaboration over competition — a place where people didn’t just work together but worked with one another. Many organizations I encountered struggled to reward teamwork or encourage cross-functional success, and that didn’t align with what I believed (and experienced) leadership could look like.
I was also searching for a place where I could bring my whole self to work. In some roles, I felt I had to hide parts of who I was — like being a single parent — until I had first “proven myself.” But living as two versions of yourself is exhausting. Authenticity matters. Transparency matters. And I wanted to be part of a culture where those things weren’t just accepted, but encouraged.
From my first interactions with the Atmus team, I felt something different. The humility, the openness, the genuine desire to help one another and work together for the greater good of Atmus — it all stood out. I knew I’d found a culture I could believe in.
Atmus’ purpose resonated deeply with me: protecting what is important — our people, our planet and our customers. In the military, I served to protect our country, our rights, and the people to my left and right. At Atmus, that sense of service continues, just in a different form.
Making an Impact
Today, in my role as Chief of Staff to the CEO, I often think of myself as sitting at the center of an hourglass — connecting the broader executive vision with the teams driving it forward every day. Communication must flow both ways, ensuring alignment, trust and shared understanding.
What stands out most about the Atmus executive team is their authenticity. They lead by example — willing to roll up their sleeves, listen and engage deeply with our people. That commitment creates a culture where everyone feels seen and supported, and where leadership isn’t about hierarchy, but impact.
For me, it’s incredibly fulfilling to help our CEO unlock and elevate her and her team’s influence across the organization and, in doing so, empower every Atmus team member to realize their full potential.
Focus on What Matters
If you’re a veteran wondering what will come next, my advice is simple: don’t chase titles — chase purpose. Find a place where your values and your work can align.
And for leaders at any stage, never stop learning. Build cultures of courage. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and share your values.
There will always be challenging days, but when you’re anchored in what matters — and when you’re part of a team who lives those values — the work becomes more than a job. It becomes a calling.
That’s what I found at Atmus: a place where I can live my values every day and help others do the same.
