I have long been asked whether I do commercials or documentaries or some form of voice work. Given my educational background, I can easily extemporaneously speak with authority on a wide variety of topics in an interesting and engaging way. Some have said I have a gift of story-telling.
In 2017 I took a voice-acting class at Saddleback Community College in Orange County and was encouraged by my professor as well as my peers to earnestly pursue work in this area.
I find it both rewarding and fun.
I originally studied music (harmony, counterpoint and voice) along with audio engineering at NYU in the late 70's. Through a serendipitous series of events, I started working in the employee benefits field, beginning in the actuarial/math area, then leading to a computer science degree. My benefits experience progressed into law school where I went on to have a 20 year career as an ERISA lawyer.
New York University, NYC 1978-81; studies in music, audio engineering, mathematics and philosophy
University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 1985-87; BS cum laude in Systems Analysis
University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, CA; 1989-1992; Juris Doctor degree
I am an analytical thinker, intuitive listener and creative problem-solver; usually, performing my best work as part of a collaborative team.
My core competencies include the ability to:
(a) Problem-solve from the client’s perspective,
(b) Communicate complex issues in a simple way, both orally and in writing,
(c) Work with a wide variety of audiences in all manner of circumstances,
(d) Build goal-oriented teams through strategic and focused execution, and
(e) See the opportunity presented by a crisis.
I have sought to bring an “I’m here to help” attitude to my work, which has helped me develop a creative approach to problem solving.
I believe my varied experiences in the employee benefits and HR field, as well as serving as the managing partner of my law firm, a leader in my profession and community have made me a highly-effective, strategic leader: I lead within the organization’s core values, with an eye toward executing strategic goals and making the organization stronger; providing Nordstrom-quality customer service and, most importantly, multiplying myself.
I have significant, long-term experience collaborating with internal and external clients, strong knowledge of the underlying principles involved, business environment and cultural landscape. I believe I possess the concrete communication skills, along with the intangible skills required to bring out the best in my team, while dealing with sometimes difficult and conflicting priorities.