I recently joined Skydio after 25 years in public service because I’m inspired by drones' transformational impact on policing and community safety. Drone as First Responder (DFR) is not just a new technology—it’s a game-changer redefining how we protect and serve, and I’m thrilled to be part of this revolutionary shift.
Transforming Public Safety Through Leadership, Innovation, and Technology
As the Chief of Police at Seal Beach Police Department, I focused on implementing strategic plans to develop and mentor employees, improve operational efficiencies, and strengthen community partnerships. I introduced key initiatives to support intelligence-led crime reduction strategies, developed innovative succession planning processes, and led capital improvement projects to modernize public safety infrastructure, including a patrol-led drone as first responder program that launched in 2018.
As the County Manager in Summit County, I led and balanced the needs of residents, visitors, and businesses in a mountain community centered around sustainability and tourism. Collaborating with diverse stakeholders, I developed long-term plans to address extreme challenges in public safety, including retention, recruitment, technology deficiencies, open space management, and community development.
As the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Denver Police Department, I worked closely with city leaders, elected officials, and community members to address urban challenges. I led initiatives to reduce liabilities, align resources with data-driven strategies, and implement nationally recognized alternative response programs that reimagined public safety to meet the community's needs better.
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve championed throughout my career was implementing drones into public safety and city/countywide initiatives. This program revolutionized emergency response, cutting response times, improving situational awareness, and saving lives. It demonstrated the transformative power of technology when paired with thoughtful strategy and execution.
Why Skydio?
I joined Skydio because it represents a perfect intersection of technology and mission. Skydio is not just developing innovative drones—it's creating tools that solve real-world problems for public safety agencies nationwide. From DFR programs in police departments to monitoring natural disasters, I have seen firsthand how Skydio’s work is already creating a lasting, positive impact.
What resonated most with me is Skydio’s commitment to ethical AI and user-centered design. As someone who has implemented technology solutions in high-stakes environments, I understand how important it is for tools to be reliable, accessible, and designed to serve practical needs. Skydio’s focus on purpose-driven innovation reflects my values throughout my career.
Expanding the Impact of Autonomous Drone Technology
I will leverage my leadership experience in law enforcement, strategic planning, and public administration to help the Skydio team develop the best possible DFR solution for officers on the front lines.
I know how critical these tools are becoming for agencies, but reducing response times and crime scene reconstruction is only the tip of the iceberg. On the horizon, I see a world where every agency has multiple docks strategically pre-positioned throughout their jurisdiction to respond to crime hotspots–where every agency has drones integrated into their standard workflows, without the IT headache that similar programs create.
I'm prepared to help your agency bridge the gap between innovation and practical application as you scale a DFR program to serve your community.
Joining Skydio is an incredible opportunity to build on my experiences as a public servant and leader. I’m proud to be part of a company that's shaping the future of autonomous technology and delivering tools that make communities safer and more efficient.
