Meet Katie

Katie leads Booz Allen’s Industry Analyst Relations program. She previously led global corporate industry analyst relations at VeriSign and Alcatel USA.

She started her career as an industry analyst at International Data Corporation, advising federal CIOs on emerging technologies. An early leader in the Internet and web service markets, she has over 25 years of high-tech marketing experience at other notable firms such as Current Analysis, Interliant, and Alcatel Data Networks. She also served as cybersecurity and information assurance Xacta product manager at Telos and was the founder and president of KSH Technology Solutions, LLC, a woman-owned/veteran-owned small business.

 A former captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, Katie earned her B.A. in international relations from Brown University and an M.B.A. in information systems management from The George Washington University. She served three 4-year terms on the Leesburg Town Council, the largest town in Virginia. She was appointed vice mayor from 2008 to 2010. She was also president-elect of the Virginia Municipal League, a position determined by elected city and town leaders from across the Commonwealth.

Katie and her husband Rich, also an Army veteran, have been residents of Leesburg, Virginia, since 1994. They have two college-aged kids. She is an avid daily treadmill runner, logging 5.3 miles nearly every day.

Why are you passionate about the work you do at Booz Allen? I was drawn to Booz Allen because of the firm’s commitment to its people and values. It’s not just a firm full of smart people—they’re motivated, creative people who are passionate about innovation and solving complex problems. Our teams are changing the world in positive ways.

What excites you about working in industry analyst relations? Industry analysts are on the front lines of analyzing customer problems and categorizing market opportunities. Their recommendations are based on extensive research—critical for customers to make effective transformation and technology decisions. I often point to the irony that, even in the era of “8-second attention spans,” analysts have the greatest positive influence because their extensive data is visually captivating.

Why is Booz Allen an ideal firm for someone with expertise and skills in your line of work? The firm has helped transform and define a variety of industries—but has never had an internal industry analyst relations function. Every day I learn something new and think: “Wow, and analysts don’t even know we do this—yet.” So, for me it’s a blank sheet of paper to provide a tremendous amount of value both for Booz Allen, as well as the analysts. I truly enjoy connecting Booz Allen leaders with industry experts because by fostering those relationships I participate in the collaboration and innovation that would never have happened otherwise. This is how new opportunities reveal themselves.

Why do you have the career you have? I fell in love with the early technologies of the Internet as an analyst at IDC Government. I helped to advise federal CIOs about emerging technologies. I also wanted to broaden my career globally so was fortunate to work at major commercially-oriented tech companies leading change in new industries.

What’s something most people don’t know about you? I was elected to three 4-year terms for the largest town in Virginia, Leesburg. I also served as vice mayor and have been involved with the Virginia Municipal League. I am deeply passionate about non-partisan community service. I think that’s one of the reasons I’m so happy at Booz Allen. I love being at a firm that values passionate service and giving back to one’s community.

What can we do to be happier? Exercise.

What advice would you give yourself as a young professional? I would give myself the same advice that I’m giving my children now: Find mentors and develop authentic, caring relationships with others. When you help others learn what they are passionate about and help them to achieve their goals, you’re also able to collaborate and find ways to make measured progress to achieve your own.