The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 20, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 21.
Next is Shila Cooch, chief information officer of the Office of Science at the Energy Department, and finalist in the Government Cybersecurity Executive of the Year, category. Here, she talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024?
Fiscal Year 2024 has been one focused on change and transparency. In the Office of Science, we are working to be more collaborative with our partners within the Department of Energy. My organization has moved from a “One size fits all” model to one that is focused on meeting the needs of our customers. Working with our partners, we have been able to reduce the time to market and be able to provide critical tools to customers in streamlined and time efficient way.
Additional achievements for this year included standardizing the risk posture for 10 National Labs and three Federal sites, while also providing individualized support for the special ecosystem and mission. Building trust across the labs and showing value has been a critical part of this year.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
For Fiscal Year 2025, we will need to remain focused on building partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Making sure we are hiring the right people into key positions and establishing a more mature and robust organization focused on empowering people while also holding them accountable. In addition, we will continue to improve our processes, procedures and transparency to ensure that they are repeatable and streamlined. By continuing to empower the team individuals become owners in the mission. When people feel like they matter and they are part of the solution they are more invested in the outcome.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Be open to the conversation and don’t shy away from the hard work. Never stop learning, read the article or the bill, talk to people, attend events to learn and grow even if it isn’t in your current job description. Be open to conversations – about other career opportunities and experiences. I have found these conversations oftentimes lead to something that I didn’t expect and enriched my career journey.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
I am a photographer and even studied it in college with the intention of becoming a foreign correspondent. My career journey took a different path and I find ways to capture feelings or moments through still images.