What is a non-work-related fact about yourself!

As a dedicated hobby plant grower with a passion for the succulent flora of South Africa and Madagascar, I have spent over two decades cultivating a collection of more than 300 plant species. My journey involves not only nurturing these plants but also showcasing them in competitions and sharing my experience through club membership. Propagation techniques range from seed germination, seedling care, stem cuttings, layering and division. This approach allows for the preservation and propagation of the distinctive biodiversity of these regions while being reminded that I never really know a plant until I have killed it . . . multiple times.

How did you become involved in organizational strategy and business operations and what is your favorite part of your job?

I became involved in organizational strategy and business operations through a combination of education, leadership experience and a passion for driving institutional success. My career path included roles in strategic planning, operational leadership and continuous improvement, where I developed expertise in aligning organizational goals with operational execution. Over time, I gained experience in managing complex environments, fostering collaboration across diverse teams and implementing data-driven decision-making processes. These experiences prepared me to contribute to Rice University’s mission by leading initiatives that enhance efficiency, optimize resources and support long-term strategic priorities.

My favorite part of the job is fostering collaboration across departments and stakeholders to drive meaningful change. I enjoy working with talented teams to solve complex challenges, implement innovative solutions and create a culture of inclusivity and engagement. Seeing the tangible impact of these efforts — whether through improved operational efficiencies, enhanced employee development programs or successful strategic initiatives — brings me immense satisfaction. Ultimately, contributing to the university's mission, strategic trajectory and impact is deeply fulfilling.

What does a typical day look like for you since joining Rice?

Reflecting on my past six months as a Rice University employee, I have found that a typical day is often unpredictable, making each day distinct. It involves a blend of unexpected meetings, addressing policy and practice inquiries, strategic planning, engaging in spontaneous interactions and seeking answers to various questions, all the while asking tons of questions.

What are your goals/aspirations for your team?

A sampling given where my lens is focused today would include:

• Clarify roles and accountability through the strategic planning process to bridge execution gaps, ensuring each team understands their contribution to our broader goals.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration through inclusive planning processes and working groups to break silos and address interdependencies
• Align strategy with execution by cascading clear performance indicators and celebrating wins to maintain momentum and accountability.
• Implement leadership training that emphasizes empowerment, delegation and professional growth. Encourage experiential learning and calculated risk-taking to develop employees while achieving organizational goals.

What are three things about your position that our division should know?

1. Strategic Alignment and Execution
   In my role as Associate Vice President, my focus is on ensuring departmental operations align with Rice University’s mission and vision by collaborating with executive leadership to develop and implement strategic plans. This involves monitoring progress, adjusting as needed, and maintaining alignment with institutional priorities to advance Rice’s goals while fostering a culture of execution. This enables DAR to contribute meaningfully to advancing Rice’s mission while fostering a culture of focused execution.
   
   
2. Operational Efficiency and Continuous Improvement
   I am deeply committed to optimizing departmental performance by identifying process improvements, managing budgets effectively and fostering a culture of accountability. Leveraging data analytics, we track performance metrics to ensure operational excellence across the division while collaborating with finance, human resources, IT and university administration. Regular reviews and actively seeking feedback allow us to refine strategies continuously and enhance overall efficiency.
   
   
3. Collaboration Across Stakeholders
   Collaboration is central to my leadership style. Working closely with administrative leaders, division heads and functional teams we integrate strategic priorities into operational plans and budgets. By facilitating cross-functional alignment, we ensure cohesive decision-making, real-time problem-solving and effective resource allocations to advance institutional objectives.