Andy graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Forestry and Natural Resources Management in 2009. An interest in plant pathology led to a senior project with a focus on the proliferation of Sudden Oak Death in southern Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. After graduating he initially worked as a contract Utility Forester and Arborist for PG&E. During this time he also completed several timber cruises in northern California for Green Diamond Resource Company. After a couple of years, he and his wife moved to Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia to work as trail guides in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Two years abroad, volunteering on organic farms and ranches, led Andy back to San Luis Obispo and a place to call home. Before his employment with the US-LTRCD He was employed as the Integrated Training Area Management component manager at Fort Hunter Liggett in Monterey County for over three years, working to improve the quality of the training lands for US soldiers and our allies. His unique experience and world view fits well with the US-LT RCD. He spends most of his free time surfing and climbing with his wife and friends, or thinking about the next chance to do either.