Glenn started working for NOAA
while he was finishing his bachelor’s degree in fisheries at the UW (he had
already earned an associate’s degree in fisheries); he’s now served NOAA for
over twenty years.
Listening to his story, I was struck by the utility of his
broad base of experience and training. He knows fish, fishermen, and the people
who run fisheries. He knows computers, databases, and the satellite systems
that help them all talk to each other (whether they are systems here in Seattle
or a system on a fishing vessel in the Bering Sea). Glenn is obviously a
motivated life-long learner, which has made him invaluable to NOAA as Glenn is
eager to tackle new challenges and learn what he needs to know to solve the
problems at hand.
Not all that long ago he earned another degree, this one in business at
Northwest University. I asked him why, since it wasn’t the sort of thing
required by his work, and wouldn’t necessarily position him for advancement in
his position. My summary of his response: he wanted more tools in his toolbox.
His answer made me think of a favorite Bible verse
(Ecclesiastes 10:10):
If the ax is dulland its edge unsharpened,
more strength is needed,
but skill will bring success.
Glenn determined to sharpen the ol’ ax… and it has paid off.
He said he appreciated the Bible and theology classes that were part of the
program. The opportunity to study his faith with college-level courses taught
by highly qualified Christian professors provided a sharper ax that could be
applied to every area of his life.
It was fun to hear him talk about how he is applying the
skills developed in his business studies. Even though much of his day is spent
dealing with in databases and statistical analysis, it is often the interface
with people
that brings the most success. With the rapid pace of change he manages, he is
continually rolling out new programs that need to be embraced by the people on
the field… whether that is NOAA personnel, people in the fisheries, or
fisherman at sea. He said that his fisheries background and education is
vitally important, but it may be the marketing, project management,
presentation, and leadership skills that are the most useful to him these days.
I’m really proud of Glenn and his work. His efforts
translate directly to the care of God’s creation as his work supports important
decisions about how populations of fish are sustained for the future. He also
plays important roles in commerce (creation of wealth) as well as feeding
people in the US and around the world as he partners with fisherman and fisheries.
Pretty impressive stuff Glenn… thanks for taking time with
me today!
Good writing about an interesting person.
ReplyDeleteCool story about Glen! Everyone should have a really cool story written like this to share the intricate details that we might not learn about a person even after knowing them for almost 15 years. So many of us spend so very many hours at work, and yet so few people really understand what all we do during that huge percentage of our lives.
ReplyDeleteIt is really cool to see this side of Glen. I am enjoying this blog and getting to know my friends at Pleasant Bay!
ReplyDelete