Leading with Purpose: From Army to HR Business Partner
Adrian’s 23-year career in the U.S. Army was defined by leadership, adaptability, and a deep commitment to people. Serving as a senior enlisted advisor to commanders and department chiefs, he led strategic operations across complex environments, built high-performing teams, and drove readiness with precision and empathy. Today, as an HR Business Partner (HRBP) at HNTB, Adrian continues that mission; supporting leaders, empowering teams, and fostering a culture of accountability and inclusion.
“What guided me toward the HRBP role was the strong alignment between my military responsibilities and the work I do now,” Adrian shares. “In the Army, I was responsible for developing talent, managing performance, and building unit cohesion. At HNTB, I get to do that in a new environment, with a new set of tools.”
Adrian’s leadership style was shaped early in his military career. Promoted into a leadership role without formal training, he learned the hard way that influence matters more than authority. “I directed, but I didn’t influence,” he recalls. “Once I connected the mission to what my team valued, everything changed. That experience taught me that real leadership is about understanding people and meeting them where they are.”
That lesson continues to guide Adrian’s work at HNTB. “I help leaders build trust, listen deeply, and create environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered,” he says. “It’s not about command, it’s about connection.”
Adrian’s military background in Signal, Medical, and Human Resources gave him a unique ability to unite diverse teams around a shared purpose. “Success depended on finding common ground and motivating people toward a goal,” he explains. “That’s exactly what I do now—helping teams thrive under pressure and stay focused on long-term success.”
He also found HNTB’s structure and values familiar. “Structured planning, performance reviews, and leadership development frameworks all mirror the Army’s approach to readiness and growth,” Adrian says. “HNTB understands the power of purpose-driven work and the value of people who’ve lived it.”
His advice to fellow veterans? “Lean into your strengths. Your leadership experience is unmatched. Leave imposter syndrome behind, find a mentor, and take up space. And remember—selfless service must be balanced with self-care. You can’t pour into others if your own well-being is running dry.”
For Adrian, the transition to HNTB was more than a career move—it was a continuation of his mission. “I found a place where my values, experience, and leadership style weren’t just accepted—they’re celebrated. For any veteran considering HNTB: you belong here, and your service has prepared you more than you know.”
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