Tillman Scholar building skills through YSPH Executive MPH program

I came to Yale because I was tired of watching broken systems fail good people. As a U.S. Marine veteran and retired firefighter, I have spent over two decades on the front lines. I have seen where things work and where they fall apart. I knew I needed to grow in new ways if I wanted to be part of real, lasting change. The Executive MPH program offered the opportunity to learn from incredible faculty, connect with purpose-driven peers, and build the skills needed to help improve the systems that others rely on.

Before enrolling at YSPH, I was leading emergency preparedness for a large hospital system in Connecticut. That role followed nearly two decades of service in the military and public safety. From combat zones to fire scenes, I have seen firsthand the stress and gaps that affect frontline workers. I came to Yale not just to study policy, but to better understand how to shape it. I wanted to combine what I had learned through experience with what I could learn here, in a place committed to public health leadership.

The program is challenging, but it is designed in a way that works for people who are still actively serving in the field. What has stood out most to me is the community. If you want to grow, you need to surround yourself with people who bring out your best. Yale is full of individuals, from professors to classmates to staff, who bring deep insight and lived experience to every conversation. I never expected the level of support I have found here. The workload is real, but no one is going through it alone. That sense of shared mission makes all the difference.

Some of the most meaningful experiences I have had outside the classroom came from quiet moments like mentoring, listening, or showing up when someone needed support. Whether it was guiding a new firefighter, encouraging a fellow veteran, or checking in on a classmate, those simple connections reminded me of what leadership really means. It is not about titles. It is about being steady and present. That same mindset is what led me to begin working on legislation in Connecticut to support first responders, focused on mental health, cancer prevention, and building a stronger, more sustainable workforce that protects the people behind the badge. Being selected as a 2025 Tillman Scholar affirmed that this work matters and connected me to a community of people who are serving something greater than themselves, a calling that for me is rooted in my faith.

More than anything I have done in uniform or on the job, being a father is what I am most proud of. My two boys are my greatest legacy. They remind me every day why this work matters. Fatherhood has taught me that real leadership starts at home. Every mission and every title has had meaning, but nothing compares to hearing my sons say they are proud of me. Being their dad is also what drives me to help build the systems that will shape their future.

I plan to serve in a leadership role at the federal or state level where I can help shape policies that strengthen public health, improve emergency systems, and protect communities during times of crisis. Whether it is preparing hospitals for the next disaster, addressing mental health across high-risk professions, or building coalitions that bridge public safety and health equity, I want to be part of that work. My goal is to bring real-world experience into the spaces where decisions are made and help build systems that are strong, sustainable, and built to serve the public good.

The YSPH Executive MPH program is offering a virtual open house from October 20 through October 23 for anyone interested in learning more about the program. The Executive MPH program is designed for working professionals, combining online learning after working hours and on-campus leadership intensives. The open house events are as follows:

• Monday, Oct. 20 @9pm ET: Program overview and Q&A with the program’s faculty director

• Tuesday, Oct. 21 @ 8pm ET: Learn about opportunities to specialize with our EMPH track directors

• Wednesday, Oct. 22 @ 9pm ET: Get an overview of the financial aid process with our director of financial aid

• Thursday, Oct. 23 @ 8pm ET: Learn about the admissions process with our director of admissions