I was also an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Harvard Business School during the 2010-2011 school year. Prior to my business career, I served as a Naval Flight Officer in the United States Navy. While on active duty, I flew as a Navigator, Tactical Coordinator and Mission Commander aboard the P-3C Orion aircraft. Following my operational tour, I worked in the Pentagon as Aide to the Chief of the Naval Reserve.

I earned my commission from the NROTC program at the University of Illinois, where I graduated Phi Beta Kappa and was selected as the distinguished naval graduate. I hold an MBA from the Harvard Business School and an honorary Doctorate from Tiffin University. I was named a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute and serve as a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations