When Curtis G. Norton Jr. was looking for a job three years ago, he searched for a position where he could use the skills and experiences he had accumulated as a musician, entrepreneur, and United States Air Force Veteran.
He found it at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
“During my initial interview, the vice president and associate director of Security convinced me that my skills and life experiences could be utilized to enhance the security department and make a valuable contribution to the team,” he said.
Now, Curtis is a well-known security guard at MSK Nassau, where he ensures patients, staff and their families have a safe and valued experience. He is known for going above and beyond the call of duty, and not only ensures people feel safe but seen.
“My favorite part of my job is the interaction with patients and staff of different cultures,” he said. “I know the first names of at least 85% of the staff at MSK Nassau and approximately 40% of the MSK Nassau patients.”
In addition to the daily interactions with people, Curtis loves MSK’s commitment to supporting employees' personal and professional growth.
“What I like most about MSK is the institution’s commitment to growth, development, and the best overall resources for its employees,” he said.
Journey to MSK
Curtis joined the United States Air Force in 1982, serving active duty until early retirement in 1995. During this time, he was stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Newport News, VA as a member of the Elite Gate Guard and in Upper Heyford, England where he served various special duty assignments later retiring at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. He also served assignments for the Office of Special Investigations and Special Duty Air Travel, where he performed armed air escorts.
Curtis also shared his musical talents and was musical director for the USAFE Chaplaincy Department, where he coordinated musical events and personnel encompassing the USAFE military bases throughout England, Germany, and the British communities.
He was honored with a medal for Special Commendation Meritorious Service: Heroism after he de-escalated a hostage situation.
“When I reminisce over my military career in the United States Air Force, I had the distinct pleasure of serving my nation and being a part of entities that were the genesis of something greater than myself,” he said.
After his time in the Air Force, Curtis continued to make and share music, was an entrepreneur serving for-profit and non-profit organizations, and is a community leader and advocate.
He founded a Community Development Corporation, which provided various programs which fostered community engagement and development. One program was an innovative curriculum–based program that incorporated science (empirical evidence), soul (faith-based messaging), and highly effective, well-proven learning strategies to improve life-course and reproductive health outcomes in underserved and underprivileged adolescent youth, aged 13 – 19 years. It was the signature program for the New York State March of Dimes for four years in a row.
Still wanting to be a part of something larger than himself, he found his way to a career at MSK.
Advice for Job Candidates
Throughout his life and career, Curtis has been guided by two pieces of advice.
The first was from Dr. Maya Angelou: “At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”
The second, from his grandmother, Florence Hopper Anderson: “It’s Nice to Be Nice.”
These words of wisdom, he says, can benefit and help anyone exploring any career path. In addition to being nice, Curtis says it’s important to remember what you love and value when searching out new opportunities.
“I would advise potential candidates to be driven by their passion and their core values,” he said.
Following your passions, values and skills may lead you to a job in security or another department at MSK, where everyone is united in a common goal: delivering the best care and experience for people fighting cancer.
“I recognize that I am just one small piece of an awesome puzzle that presents an image of hope for those who enter our communities. I enjoy encouraging folks to keep moving forward,” he said. “This is not just a job, it’s an adventure. Seriously, our responsibility is to facilitate the best patient experience, care, and security.”