I met Andy as a colleague at Industry Dive. We arranged a meeting a few years ago because his CIO publication was thinking about launching a LinkedIn newsletter, which my publication had experience with. So we simply met to discuss what these newsletters entailed. But of course, we also chatted about our background, and when Andy found out I was new at the company and still learning the ropes, he immediately offered to mentor me. I was stunned by that kindness. 

We began meeting every month or two to check in and talk about work and life.  He helped me navigate whatever professional challenge I was grappling with. Overall, Andy was one of the kindest and smartest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He was always so curious about how he could help me and was such a wonderful listener. I was always floored that he was willing to give me his time.  

Andy also made me want to be a better person. When I talked to him, I’d sit up a little straighter, I wouldn’t swear as much or act a fool, I’d suddenly become more thoughtful and reflect on if I was being kind enough to everyone around me. He was someone I looked up to and had a demeanor I strived to emulate. I’m sure he was like that for a lot of people.

When I found out he was leaving the company, I was so upset. How could Industry Dive let someone as talented as Andy slip through their fingers? But when I asked him about it, he held no ill will. It was time to move on, he told me, and he understood. That was just the kind of woderful and understanding person he was. What a tremendous loss.