I have an unusual career in that I am the Public Sector Director for Samsung’s Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, while also serving as a police officer with 21 years of experience. My journey in law enforcement started early. I was a 14-year-old in Michigan when I joined the Police Explorers, which is an educational program that introduces young people to careers in law enforcement. Also, I’ve always loved technology, and quite frankly, my inspiration to learn more about the police came from watching the classic Batman TV series. The police had the best gadgets and tools, and I idolized Batman for it. Plus, growing up in a law enforcement family, with my mom as a lieutenant with our local Sheriff’s Department, made me even more proud to pursue this path.
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I thrived in the Police Explorers program, eventually rising to the role of captain and an advisor. By the time I was 19, I got hired by the police department at the University of Texas at Dallas, marking a great start to my career. However, after about three to four years, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in technology, fueled by my fascination with mobile devices and all things connectivity. I started working for Verizon Wireless, and later joined Samsung in 2018.
Throughout my tech career, I’ve kept one foot in the police force. On weekends, I currently work as a part-time sergeant in the IT/Innovation and Information Bureau with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in Pontiac, Michigan. This unique balance allows me to continue both my passions in technology and law enforcement. After all, Batman had two identities, too!
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to grow in both fields. People often ask me how my background on the police force has informed my work in the corporate world—and the answer lies in the skills I’ve gained. Police officers are trained to listen, think critically, and respond effectively to situations, all skills that translate seamlessly into the business world. Having been involved with law enforcement for so long has given me a deep understanding of how police do their jobs, and the critical applications they need to do their jobs well. This insight keeps me attuned to the needs of first responders, which helps me excel in my role at Samsung by demonstrating how our devices can help agencies innovate without disrupting their current workflows. Plus, it’s good for customer relationships. Law enforcement agencies like to buy from trusted advisors, and the most trusted advisor is one who has walked a mile in their shoes.
Another meaningful way I’ve been able to integrate my two roles is by participating in the Thin Blue Shoreline Memorial Ride each summer. This four-day, 390-mile bicycle ride raises funds for the families of police officers who have died in the line of duty. This year was extra special for me, as we lost three local police officers to gunshot wounds, including my department colleague Deputy Brad Reckling, a 30-year-old who left behind an expectant wife and three young children. The thought of the pain his family is enduring deeply motivated me to raise funds and take part in the ride.
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I save my Samsung volunteer time off (VTO) to combine with my accumulated PTO for this ride each year. My Samsung MX (leadership team rallies to support me, donating to the cause and encouraging me to train as the event date nears. I am truly grateful to be part of a team that stands behind me in this way. And of course, I rely on my Samsung mobile devices to capture photos and stay connected with my family and friends while I’m riding.
We have a saying: “Know your why.” Why do you do the work you do? Why do you lead the lifestyle you lead? When I think about this, I realize my lifelong passion for technology run parallel to a deep-rooted commitment to service within my family. Growing up in our household meant spending quality time at senior centers playing board games with the elderly and veterans, picking up trash along the side of a road (we even adopted a two-mile stretch of roadside in Michigan years ago), and volunteering at church events while contributing to charities.
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You don’t have to be Batman, but life is much more meaningful if you can change the course of someone’s day by offering help when they need it, alleviating a problem, or simply saying something that will put a smile on their face.