What is a typical day for you like at Concentric?
Since I joined Concentric every day is a little different. I have taken on several investigative and intelligence projects that have allowed me to use a variety of tools to uncover potential threats for our clients. I really like Concentric’s approach that its services should not be one-size fits all. Every customer is unique and has different needs and challenges. This way of thinking also keeps things interesting for me and allows me to get involved in a number of different projects with many fascinating clients.
How long have you been at Concentric and what part of your job do you find most fulfilling?
I have worked at Concentric for a few months and I really appreciate the supportive environment that I have found here. It is tough joining a new company during a pandemic, particularly when most employees are working remotely. But from the warm welcome during the onboarding process, to the constant support I have already received from my colleagues, I know I made a great decision to join Concentric.
I also enjoy the workplace flexibility. Although more and more people telecommute now, several years ago I wasn’t sure if I could ever make it work for me. I spent much of my career commuting to the Central Intelligence Agency, often spending three to four hours in a car each way everyday. I am excited to work at a company where I can use my skills as an intelligence analyst, all while avoiding a long commute! A win-win (for both me and my car)!
What is your educational and professional background before joining Concentric?
I studied political science, receiving my master’s degree from Virginia Tech and a BA from Salisbury University in Maryland. Before joining Concentric, I served as a deputy program manager for an aviation company based in southern Maryland. Prior to that, I worked at the CIA for 15 years as an analyst and manager, covering issues including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and counterrorism. I spent the majority of my time at the Agency as a leadership analyst, a fascinating career concentration where you get to learn everything you can about foreign leaders and decision-makers–what makes them tick, what do they care about, what are their views of the world, what is it like to interact with them–and convey your findings to policymakers who need to make quick decisions based on your analysis.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I am not working you will find me spending time on our farm. We have horses and dogs, and a free spirited toddler that keeps us really busy! I like to call us”farmer-ish”–you will hear me talk about our attempts at growing hay, harvesting different kinds of vegetables, planting fruit trees, and putting up fences. Some of our experiments have succeeded and lots of failed, but I have learned alot and it is a fun process!
I am also a certified executive coach and I enjoy working with coaching clients and volunteering my services to help others reach their goals.
What are you most looking forward to over the next year?
Digging into the private intel and investigative space here at Concentric is something I am looking forward to over the next year. And like so many others, just being able to return to as much normalcy as possible over the next year would be wonderful. We are almost three years into the pandemic and I feel like I have put so many things off, saying I will do them when things “return to normal.” I am going to do my best over the next year to not put things off and live more in the moment. Traveling and spending more time with family and friends are at the top of my list.
