As vice president of global business relations and operations for Qualcomm Internet Services, Bob Briggs, 36, spends much of his time traveling the world. That’s quite a change for a former San Diego Police Department reserve officer.

In college, Briggs thought he would have a career in law enforcement. He attained a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of San Diego and a master’s in business administration from the University of California at Irvine.

Upon graduation he began a career in finance in the cellular products division of Hughes Network Systems. At the same time he was a reserve officer. Recently Briggs had to give up the police involvement. “I don’t have the time now,” he explains. “As the career expanded and changed, I could not support both.”

As the top business development executive for QIS, Briggs oversees all contract negotiations with wireless operators, frequently acting as the chief negotiator. Briggs also oversees the day-to-day business operations, including technical division’s support and business systems, and he sits on the board of the joint venture Unicom BREW Technical Services.

Briggs considers his professional status his highest accomplishment. He has attained a position of responsibility at a leading high-tech company without the high-tech background of many Qualcomm employees.

Any spare time Briggs has is spent with his family and in keeping himself in shape. The father of 4-year-old Kristiana and 2-year-old Bobby, Briggs spends much time with his wife, Susan, taking the kids to the beach and church activities. Family vacations are spent in Durango, Colo. Briggs has participated in two marathons and completed more than five triathlons.

To wind down, Briggs spends each evening perusing the comics in the daily paper.

— Maria L. Kirkpatrick