In 2009, I started my journey at Quest Diagnostics as a Phlebotomist. If you had told me then that I would one day be managing Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) for our teams, I’m not sure I would have believed you.
At the time, I just knew healthcare was my calling. I loved working on the front lines, but I was also deeply curious. When a colleague mentioned an opening at our laboratory in San Juan Capistrano, California, I decided to take a leap and transition to a Lab Associate role in Microbiology.
That single step sparked a 17-year career journey of continuous learning, career pivots, and incredible mentorship.
Looking back, my transition from a front-line lab role to safety leadership taught me 3 invaluable lessons about building a career:
1. Say "yes" to the extra responsibilities
While in Microbiology, I volunteered to be a Safety Representative. I led safety orientations and verified evacuation routes. It wasn’t in my official job description, but it ignited a lifelong passion for keeping people safe. That volunteer role paved the way for me to transition into Quality Assurance, support major international laboratory standards implementations, and eventually step into my first dedicated safety role.
2. Embrace the deep end
I officially became an Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist right before the pandemic hit. Launching a safety career during one of the most complex operational and public health challenges in modern history was a trial by fire. It was intense, but it fast-tracked my growth, taught me resilience, and showed me the true impact of steady leadership.
3. Find—and build—your community
Eight years ago, I joined an employee resource group. At the time, it was primarily East Coast–based, and I was one of the first members in California. As we expanded, I was asked to step into a leadership role.
Balancing this leadership role with my daily front-line responsibilities wasn't always easy, but it was transformative. It allowed me to "be a leader without a title," exposed me to parts of the business I’d never seen, and connected me with incredible mentors who invested in my growth. Today, I’m proud to continue that work by championing inclusive events and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.
My career is proof that your starting point doesn’t define your destination. Today, as an EHS Manager, my goal is to blend my operational roots with my safety expertise to make our workplaces safer, more efficient, and more inclusive.
If you are just starting out or thinking about making a career pivot: raise your hand, seek out community, and don't be afraid of the deep end.
A huge thank you to everyone who has mentored, supported, and cheered me on along the way, including my wife, Tawny, who has been sharing this journey (and working alongside me at the lab!) for the last 15 years.
My career is proof that your starting point doesn’t define your destination. Today, as an EHS Manager, my goal is to blend my operational roots with my safety expertise to make our workplaces safer, more efficient, and more inclusive.
If you are just starting out or thinking about making a career pivot: raise your hand, seek out community, and don't be afraid of the deep end.
A huge thank you to everyone who has mentored, supported, and cheered me on along the way, including my wife, Tawny, who has been sharing this journey (and working alongside me at the lab!) for the last 15 years.
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