Willie McGarry, Operations Director - Willie is a recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest and NYC. He joined the NYC staff as the Director of Operations in April of 2008. Willie has undergraduate degrees in Anthropology, Education and History from Indiana University and a MA in Social Science from the University of Chicago. His general research interest is the African Diaspora in the colonial Atlantic World with particular focus on the intersections of social race, rebellion and religion in 18th century Cuba. He has made numerous travels to the Caribbean to conduct ethnographic and archival research. Outside of his endeavors in academia Willie brings an assortment of work experiences to NYC ranging from construction management to strength training. In his personal life, Willie is a proud father of two sons, Amani and Tavehon. He enjoys reading, biking, studying Spanish, and playing Connect Four. His favorite color is burgundy red or peanut butter khaki, favorite shape is a circle, favorite book is Don Quixote, favorite holiday is St. Patrick's Day, and he has a profound reverence for good barbeque.