’04 industrial and systems engineering
Project Development Project Manager
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Industrial Engineering Team
Jacksonville, Ala.

Typical day . . . I almost want to say that in a sense, none of my days are typical. My team supports ‘internal clients’ at Disney with a focus on continually improving how our guests experience the parks. As a result, we are called in to observe and study, and to measure and analyze – at least that’s typical of what an industrial engineer would do. As an example, we might be called in to evaluate the queue needs at an existing attraction. We would spend time in the area, measuring the physical space, pathways and evaluating guest flows. We then take that data to the office and prepare our results and recommendations to provide decision support to leadership.

Engineering challenge . . . dispelling the notion that all of the creative efforts are on the performance side of the Disney equation. My dad is an electrical engineer, and he has always pointed to the impact that engineering has on real creativity, no matter how or where you practice it. Engineers have to be no less creative than other Disney cast members – we have to look at the company’s engineering, process and business needs to make sure the bottom line is met. If it isn’t, there would be no Disney magic!

Living the life . . . when people learn that I work for Disney, they always ask me what my favorite ride is. I tell them that while I love the rides, the shows and spectaculars are my favorite of the experiences we offer. I love the shows we have in the parks; my favorites include the Broadway stylings of “Lion King” and “Finding Nemo.” They’re each about 40 minutes long and fully immerse guests in the story. I grew up participating in the fine arts, so it’s a natural favorite for me. When I was at Auburn I sang in the concert choir and danced in “West Side Story.” My children each have such an interesting take as well. My two-year-old ‘gets’ Mickey while my three and five-year-old can grasp the whole story . . . any parent could relate.

Geek moment . . . the Disney experience is becoming more and more interactive, and it’s all about using new technology. Engaging our guests can now be done even before they arrive on the property through the ‘My Disney Experience’ technology that helps them plan and schedule their experience pre-arrival. This technology allows the guests the flexibility to plan their experiences to the level they desire. Our team has the unique opportunity to be part of evaluating the feasibility and impact that these changes have on the guest experience.

Sense of pride . . . we focus on the ‘Disney Difference’ which is really a push to seek excellence in all things, and to build pride of ownership. That’s a quality we feel extends beyond the frontline cast and performers, to the cast who support the magic backstage, and to the people like myself, whose scope of work lies even beyond that. I felt this same kind of desire for excellence and ownership as a student at Auburn.

My Auburn Engineering . . . I chose Auburn because I was born and bred an Auburn fan. When I was a senior in high school I looked at a few other schools, but the more I saw of them the more I became convinced that Auburn should be my home. I enrolled as an electrical engineering student, just because it felt right. I already had my eyes set on becoming an engineer for Disney and when I took the intro to engineering class, I realized that industrial and systems engineering would be a better fit for me. I’ve loved the opportunity to blend my creative and technical skill sets to contribute to our team in a way that’s gratifying and fulfilling.