Leadership Q&A…

This section of The Journey provides a glimpse into the lives of our company’s leadership—what they think about the business, where they’d like to see us go in the future, what occupies their time while at work and at home, their interests, hobbies, and ideas. In a nutshell—who they are and what makes them tick.

For this edition of The Journey, we asked our senior leadership to talk to us about a person, aside from a family member, who influenced their life in a profound way. 

Tonya Torgeson

Executive Director—Growth

Earlier in my career, I was working as a Technical Infrastructure Program Manager at EDS supporting the Navy / Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) contract. My boss was a Business Operations Director and inherited me from the Program Management Office (PMO) to manage the planning, execution and delivery of all site transition projects, but he also saw promise in me as a leader. When I was considering a career change to advance my technical engineering and software development skills, he walked me through the challenges and rewards of taking the technical path versus the leadership path towards operations management and business development. Although both paths seemed exciting to me at the time, I chose the leadership path at his urging. Over the next few months, he mentored me in developing skills for managing people, budgets, strategic initiatives and decision-making, and suggested academic courses and seminars to help with my learning, including obtaining my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Although I might have found my way on my own over time, his mentorship and the time he invested were invaluable to me, as it pushed me to discover what motivated and inspired me, and led me on a career path that I am passionate about and proud of.

Stefania Dobre

Executive Director—Life Sciences Group

One of the most influential people in my life, outside of my family, has been Dr. Raymond Genovese, one of my early career mentors at the Behavioral Biology Lab at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). As a dedicated scientist and chief of the laboratory, Dr. Genovese played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional growth, providing invaluable guidance, support, and inspiration when I needed it most. Dr. Genovese was not only a recognized leader in his field but also a true role model for my career progression. His wisdom and encouragement pushed me beyond my comfort zone, teaching me the importance of determination and confidence, even in moments of doubt.

One experience that stands out was when I received my first graduate school curriculum. I recall being overwhelmed by the workload and saw an impossible mountain ahead and panicked. Dr. Genovese calmly reassured me, advising me to approach the challenge one step at a time. His guidance reshaped the way I view assignments and obstacles today—reminding me that no task is too difficult when tackled with patience and diligence. His guidance has played a crucial role in building my confidence and capabilities, continually shaping my decisions and aspirations. It serves as a lasting testament to the profound impact of mentorship and encouragement in achieving both personal and professional growth.

Dan Gordon

Executive Director—Aviation

One of my college roommates, Scott MacArthur, continues to have a significant influence on my life. Scott was a great human being and had a number of qualities I still try to emulate to this day… but I don’t come close to matching his skill level.

The first was his ability to listen. Scott made whomever he was talking to think they were the most important person in the room by truly being genuinely interested in the conversation and hanging on to every word. This no doubt led to another attribute Scott had, which was an incredible ability to build relationships. It seemed he knew everyone anywhere he went and never met a stranger. Through these relationships favors were gained, circles of influence widened, and better grades were even earned when we were in school.

Cancer took Scott away from us 17 years ago, but his legacy lives on within me, his family, and no doubt the hundreds who thought they were Scott’s best friend.

Erin Donlan-Schubmehl

Executive Director—Strategic Engagement

I gain inspiration from messaging shared by St. Francis of Assisi, a model of servant leadership. Most impactful to me is the quote and sentiment, “For it is in giving that we receive.” As I continue to learn, evolve and grow in life, I find the best feelings I receive are in seeing others thrive and succeed. It’s incredibly rewarding to be in a professional position, or as a Mom, to be in a position to guide, enable or coach others, to then see that paid forward through others’ growth, success, achievement and resulting happiness. We have the good fortune with Odyssey, a small, but mighty company, to be empowered as leaders to empower others… our employees, and in turn, our customers.

Servant leadership fosters a sense of community and belonging, where individuals are valued and supported. In an organization that means fostering a culture of service and collaboration which leads to personal growth and a deeper sense of purpose.

“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
—St. Francis of Assisi