J. E. Mooney

I’ve never really made up my mind what I wanted to do for a living, but I always knew I wanted to get out and experience the world. I have one undergraduate degree in English Literature and another one in Mechanical Engineering. Go figure. I’ve been, at various times, a teacher, a Peace Corps volunteer, an engineer, a sales manager, a business executive, a Peace Corps country director and a Senior Director for a technology non-profit. All of this uniquely qualifies me for absolutely nothing, but it sure has been an interesting ride.

Along the way I’ve lived in five countries other than the United States and visited another 32. I think the exploration of new cultures casts light on our own: what do we value? how do we spend leisure time? How do we participate in community? What does privacy actually mean?

Having grown up and lived the plurality of my life somewhere in New England, you might think I’m a fan of four distinct seasons. Not so much. Snow in October or May doesn’t appeal to me. But my life in tropical Africa gave me a taste for the heat, king palms and warm water. St. Augustine, Florida, is where I now gratefully call home with my beautiful wife, Robyn. I value open hearts, open minds, critical thinking and the courage to discover and be oneself.