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 “If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?” Here’s what some of them had to say:

Michael Laurie

Executive Director, Security

I grew up on the ocean in Gloucester, Massachusetts, but after having lived in New Mexico and spending a lot of time in Montana, the high desert calls to my soul. If I wasn’t doing this I would be on a horse, working on a ranch somewhere out West. Something about escaping the trappings of modern life and reverting to the old ways appeals to my soul. I guess you can say I’m an old soul.

Tonya Torgeson

Executive Director, Growth

If I wasn’t in my current role, I would be the owner of a Travel Agency and part-time Tour Guide. If you were to sit with me for five minutes outside of a work-related meeting, conversation would eventually gravitate to a love of traveling.

It’s more than just visiting a new city that makes the experience so satisfying. It’s a combination of curiosity and wonder in anticipating something unknown, along with discovery of the local people, culture, adventures, traditions, and cuisine, as well as the scenic beauty, famous landmarks, architectural design, history, and celebrations—all of which expand my perspective and appreciation for different ways of life. I relive the experience by creating photobooks and journals to capture the memories and share them with others, which fuels the itch to plan the next adventure!

John Kurian

Executive Director, Aviation

If I were not in my current role, I would be leading a non-profit organization. My favorite non-profits in Dayton (and Xenia) are Victory Project, One Bistro and Gospel Mission. Each of these organizations serve the underprivileged through tutoring, mentoring, providing meals and addressing other needs. I have been supporting these organizations in various roles for several years now. This summer I spent a bit more time at these organizations to discover if my interest was a hobby (few hours on the weekend) or a passion (investing my life). Additionally, Victory Project wanted me to serve as their development lead for their fund-raising efforts. After thinking, praying, and talking to my spouse, I concluded that this was not the right season to commit to full-time work. Additionally, I realized that I needed to spend more time with the people at these organizations to truly develop a passion for them.

Stefania Dobre

Executive Director, Life Sciences Group

First, I want to share how much I truly enjoy my work and the culture at Odyssey—I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to support this company’s mission every day. That said, if I weren’t in my current role, I would be dedicating myself to leading an animal welfare organization such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). I’ve always had a profound love for animals and a strong sense of responsibility to help those who cannot speak for themselves. In my personal time, I volunteer at an animal sanctuary and advocate for policy changes that improve the lives of animals, work that brings me a great deal of fulfillment. For me, it’s about giving them a chance at a better life. That kind of mission would be a natural extension of my heart and lifelong passion.

James Townsend

Executive Director, C2ISR

If I were not an Executive Director and I could focus on a single passion pursuit, I would become a semi-professional soccer coach because this career offers a unique opportunity to blend passion with purpose. Ever since I was a kid, when I first saw the US host the World Cup in 1994, I’ve always seen soccer as more than just a sport; I’ve seen it as the global heartbeat that pulses through cultures, communities, and generations.

I’ve been coaching youth soccer since my son was in kindergarten (6 years, with a 2-year gap thanks to COVID) and I’ve enjoyed building up a team year in, year out to compete at its peak ability. Coaching allows you to build meaningful relationships, influence character development, and contribute to the broader soccer community. Having the opportunity to pursue coaching beyond youth sports and supporting a professional team (pro or semi-pro) is a chance to shape emerging talent, foster teamwork, and instill discipline in athletes who are on the cusp of elite competition.

Kevin Connolly

Chief Financial Officer

If I weren’t in my current role, I’d likely want to be a builder or carpenter. There’s something deeply satisfying about working with my hands and seeing a tangible result at the end of the day.

I’ve always enjoyed creating things from scratch, whether it’s building furniture, laying hardwood floors throughout my first home, remodeling a bathroom from top to bottom, or just crafting something functional and beautiful out of raw materials. It’s a blend of precision, creativity, and problem-solving that really speaks to me.

Dan Gordon

Executive Director, Strategic Alignment

When I started with Odyssey in November 2021 I was pretty sure this would be the last company I ever work for. Almost four years later, I’m not longer pretty sure…I’m absolutely sure. So, if I wasn’t in my current role, I’d be retired and spending my days volunteering, travelling with my wife, and hanging with my one-month-old grandson.