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. Helen supports all departments within the organization with systems, technology, and data analytics.

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. Before coming 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 early 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. 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 utilizing technological advancements and advanced analytics of the current age to inform better decision making. Data-driven decision making involves leveraging the enormous analytical capabilities of the 21^st century and relying on facts in conjunction with experience to enhance the decision-making process.

Why did you choose this field / career path?

I have always had a desire to pursue a career in analytics in a natural resources industry. Having received my Master’s in the marine science discipline, transitioning to the forestry sector was a natural step given my desire to live in the Pacific Northwest. Having received an MBA from Oregon State University during my first few years of corporate work, I saw the value of financial analytics in conjunction with the natural resource analytics. More recently, fusing the skills gained during my MBA with my knowledge of systems and analytics I have migrated into a tech-focused role where efficiency and optimization are key.

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 the few years that I’ve been 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 as 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.