Britt Gathright has a varied background in education, hospitality, entertainment, warehouse/logistics, and oil and gas. He has over 20 years of experience in information technology operations and project management. Gathright obtained his undergraduate degree from his home state’s flagship university, the University of Arkansas, and completed his Masters in Education at the University of Tulsa—where he also met his wife. He also holds a Masters in Management Information Systems from Oklahoma State University and is a certified project manager (PMP). Britt and his wife live in Tulsa, Oklahoma and have three adult children.

What brought you to ESnet? 

I’m at a point in my life where I’m fortunate to be able to choose where I want to be. I’d like my work to outlive me and lend my project management skills to a team that is changing the world.

Education and service to others are at my core. Both my parents are educators in Arkansas, and my wife is a high school science teacher. I have seen the impacts of the pursuit of knowledge and hope my skills can help advance and continue the science conversation. 

What is the most exciting thing going on in your field right now?

Remote work has intensified the need to meet workers where they are and identify how they best intake and process information. Crafting communication styles to support and serve project team members and stakeholders is even more critical with dispersed teams. Project Management is trending towards agile methodologies that shorten delivery cycles and work products/packages. This results in hybrid project methods that blend traditional waterfall with agile for more flexible delivery frameworks.

What book would you recommend? 

While I am normally a podcast junkie, I recently enjoyed Bad Blood about the Theranos saga. It illustrates the importance of data, results, and oversight to support product claims and not be swayed too much by charisma and charm. Adventure and political thrillers from David Baldacci and Vince Flynn are favorites too.

I’m interested in book recommendations about diversity and inclusion, so please reach out if you have suggestions!