The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) will hold the 4th Annual Achievement Awards Ceremony Wednesday, November 13th, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. The ceremony will honor six young professionals in the intelligence and national security sectors for their professional contributions to the community.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker is Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, Director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the event will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with registration closing November 6th.
WashingtonExec chatted with award recipients about their nominations, what it means to them, their mission and more.
Today’s featured interview is with LTC Ian McCulloh, U.S. Army Central Command and recipient of the Sidney D. Drell Academic Award.
WashingtonExec: Did you know you were nominated for the award, or was it a surprise?
Ian McCulloh: It was a surprise.
WashingtonExec: Have you prepared a speech, or do you plan on saying the first thing that comes to mind?
Ian McCulloh: I will probably have a couple talking points, but I prefer impromptu speaking.
WashingtonExec: How would you describe your mission?
Ian McCulloh: I lead a team of social, behavioral, and computer scientists that conducts a variety of research to understand the information environment in the CENTCOM AOR and assess the effectiveness of operations and progress toward strategic goals.
WashingtonExec: Finish the sentence: The best part of about my job is…
Ian McCulloh: … creative problem solving with brilliant colleagues
WashingtonExec: Could you name an aspect of your job that you did not expect when you were first brought on?
Ian McCulloh: I work for some of the best leaders I have known in the military. I did not expect to learn so much.
WashingtonExec: Who is someone you admire? or Who has been a mentor to you throughout your career?
Ian McCulloh: There is no single individual. I have learned different things from different people that have made me the man I am including my wife, my Ph.D. advisor, academic colleagues, military leaders I have worked for, and subordinates that have worked for me. In the military, I have been most impressed with the contractors who possess remarkable skills and experience that our essential to our mission.
WashingtonExec: What is something you are most proud of, personally?
Ian McCulloh: My wife and four kids.
WashingtonExec: What organizations are you involved with outside of work?
Ian McCulloh: International Network for Social Network Analysts (INSNA).
WashingtonExec: What is your favorite intelligence movie or book?
Ian McCulloh: I like the early novels by Jack Higgins. Recently, I enjoyed Argo.
Read about last year’s John W. Warner Homeland Security Award winner here.