The Basics
Division: Stations and Operations
How long have you been at City Light? June 2013 (12 years)
Tell us about your role. What does your job entail? Over the past 12 years at City Light, I’ve had the pleasure of contributing to a wide range of projects and collaborating with some of the best professionals in the field. I’ve worked across every generation site—from Skagit to Boundary—gaining hands-on experience with everything from generator rewinds to transformer installations. Transitioning to the operations side of the utility has given me a deeper understanding of the critical role we play in supporting high-profile customers, such as Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and how our work directly impacts their success.
As a journey worker, I recently transitioned into a role within the utility’s Safety, Health, and Wellness Division. In this position, I serve as a liaison between our safety team and the crews working in high-risk electrical environments. I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate closely with the safety team and help strengthen the connection between safety, substations, and operations.
In addition, I recently stepped into the role of Shops Coordinator, where I assist the shops with the wide variety of tasks and projects they handle. I’m excited to be part of this division—it’s a dynamic environment with many moving parts, and while it’s different from what I’ve done before, it still aligns closely with the work I’ve been involved in over the past 12 years here.
Background
Hometown: Puyallup, Wash.
Alma mater: South Seattle College
Discipline/Trade of study: Applied Science; Seattle City Light Electrician Constructor Apprenticeship
Tell us about your family/pets: My wife and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary on March 30th. Since our wedding last year, we’ve been fortunate to explore new places and meet some incredible people along the way. In our free time, we love getting outside and exploring the Pacific Northwest with our 13-year-old black lab, Kahlúa. We enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, paddleboarding, and running. We recently flew down to Dallas, TX for our first 5K of the year—with more races planned ahead.
We’re also avid gym-goers and train with a focus on lifelong health and longevity. One of our long-term goals is to open our own gym, where we can share that passion for fitness and wellness with others. Camping is another one of our favorite pastimes, and with the season now here, we’re excited to spend even more time outdoors. So if you don’t catch us at a local event, chances are we’re out in the woods enjoying nature. We’re also actively looking for a new property—somewhere we can begin building our forever home.
Just for fun
What advice do you have for those who are new to City Light?
- Be curious and ask questions – City Light has a long history and a lot of moving parts. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. The more you learn early on, the more effective and confident you’ll become in your role.
- Build relationships – Take the time to get to know your coworkers, both in your division and across the utility. The people here are one of the greatest assets, and strong relationships will help you navigate challenges and grow your career.
- Respect the craft – Whether you’re in the field, operations, or support roles, there’s a deep level of skill and experience at City Light. Observe, learn, and respect the knowledge that’s been built over decades.
- Stay safety-focused – Safety isn’t just a policy here—it’s a culture. Take it seriously, speak up, and be proactive. Everyone plays a role in creating a safe work environment.
- Embrace the mission – At the end of the day, we’re here to serve the public. Understanding the impact of your work—whether it’s keeping the lights on, maintaining infrastructure, or supporting critical customers—can give a deeper sense of purpose and pride in what you do.
- Take ownership of your growth – There are great opportunities at City Light for those who seek them. Be proactive, stay open to learning, and don’t be afraid to step up when the moment calls for it.
What is your favorite local restaurant? Paseo and Bongos.
What’s one thing that has surprised you about working at City Light? One thing that’s really surprised me about working at City Light is just how diverse and complex the utility truly is. When I first started, I thought it would be pretty straightforward—generate power, deliver it, keep the lights on. But the deeper I got into the work, the more I realized how many moving pieces are involved: generation, transmission, distribution, operations, customer service, safety, environmental stewardship—you name it.
What’s even more impressive is the level of expertise and dedication across the board. There are people here with decades of experience who are not only masters of their craft but are also willing to teach and support others. That sense of pride, purpose, and teamwork has really stuck with me—and continues to motivate me every day.
What can you talk about for hours? I’ve always been passionate about living a healthy lifestyle, with a strong focus on biohacking and longevity—constantly learning, experimenting, and training to optimize both mind and body.