Helen started working with FIA in 2021 as a Portfolio Analyst in the Investment Management Team. In May of 2022, Helen moved into the Client Accounting Team as Manager of Technology & Data Analytics. As the Director of Technology & Data Analytics, Helen supports all departments within the organization with systems, technology, and data analytics and manages IT strategy within the firm.

Previous Experience

Prior to her current role, Helen started with FIA as a Portfolio Analyst supporting the team of Regional Investment Foresters, Operations Managers and Portfolio Managers on U.S.-based timberland. Prior to FIA, Helen worked as a Business Intelligence Analyst for Campbell Global. Other roles she held at Campbell Global included Forest Resource Analyst and Forest Planning Analyst. These other roles combined with the completion of an MBA in 2021 provided a holistic look at the timberland investment business and involved leveraging data to inform better and quicker decision making. Prior to entering the corporate world, Helen received her Master’s degree from Texas A&M University at the Galveston campus focusing on geospatial analytics and flood risk reduction. While there, she pursued multiple research projects, including her published thesis on the relationship between urban development and run-off.

What is your business philosophy?

I believe in innovation through technology. Innovation is the way that we help propel the business through the climate of change. Through leveraging technological tools, businesses innovate to increase efficiency and better inform decision making.

Why did you choose this field / career path?

Having received my Master’s in the marine science discipline, transitioning to the forestry sector was a natural step that aligned with living in the Pacific Northwest. Subsequently earning an MBA from Oregon State University during my first few years of corporate work provided me with a financial lens into the natural resource sector. I saw the value of financial analytics in conjunction with natural resource analytics. From there, I explored business intelligence and systems integration to make data more easily accessible to all. This has led me into my current career path where I hold a tech-focused role to increase efficiency and leverage technology to enhance the business.

What is one of the best lessons you’ve learned during your career?

A career is much more like a jungle gym than a step ladder. In my years working in a corporate setting, I’ve found myself moving across this jungle gym. The highlights and moments of progress on this jungle gym have always come from collaboration and diverse teams. Teams are the strongest when there are members from a variety of backgrounds who can contribute unique perspectives and collectively reach an outcome that is not possible for individuals. Companies are strongest when teams are collaborative and diverse in thought and background. As I continue across the jungle gym that is my career, I hope to continue to work with diverse teams and people who come from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.