Where do you live now and how did you end up there? I live in the Navy Yard area of Washington, DC. I came to DC because I had an established network from growing up in Severna Park and going to college at JMU. Now, 4+ years later I have met some amazing people, am still challenged and growing in my career, and discover new places to go all the time!

What do you enjoy most about the work that you do? I like the instant results and analytics that come with marketing and social media. There's no guessing what worked and what didn't. If there's a spike in web traffic, and all data sources lead to my sponsored Facebook ad, I know that was me. The other side of the coin is, when a campaign completely tanks, that's also on me. But those times remind me that I'm still learning, and that's a good feeling.

 

What influence did Severn have on your career path? Severn prepared me in the classroom and motivated me in the pool to be a Division I Athlete. In my career, I strive to excel in my work and stand out with new ideas. This is a mindset I learned from being surrounded by so many talented people at Severn.

 

What are your favorite things to do in your free time? Anything water-related - swimming, boating, trips to the beach are all fun when it's warm. I also like to travel, work out and hang out with friends.

 

If you could give advice to the Class of 2018, what would it be? Experience new things. Don't be afraid to take that class or join that club that your friends say is weird. Worse case scenario, you find out what you DON'T want to do with your life, and you'll know because you tried it.

 

Tell me about 2 things that bring you joy in your life. 1) My dogs. My chocolate lab, Lana and yellow lab, Zoe.

2) Taking people home to Annapolis that have never been and showing them where I grew up. My perfect Saturday would be going to downtown Annapolis, cracking crabs, and out on the water with new and old friends.

What teacher(s) had the most influence on you at Severn? Mr. Buckley. I think he'd be surprised to read this, as I don't recall being a stud in any of his classes. The material didn't come easily for me, so I had to prepare for each class as if there were a test. This work ethic helped me so much in college and still does today.

 

What is one of your favorite Severn memories? Winning the IAAM Swimming Championship. Also, riding to swim meets in the front of the bus next to Coach Cosentino.

 

What is the most valuable asset you believe you inherited from your Severn education? The habit of questioning everything. Not just settling for an answer, but understanding why something is the case and having the courage to challenge it.

 

Did Severn have a lasting impact on who you are today? If so, in what ways? Definitely. Severn is basically in the backyard of the house I grew up in, so it will always feel like home to me. I am still best friends with my core group of friends from middle and high school. The CEO of my company (Cathy Merrill Williams '87) is a Severn alum. I feel so fortunate to still be involved with and impacted by the Severn community on what feels like a regular basis!

 

What are 3 words you'd use to describe Severn School? Education. Quality. Home.