Reflecting on 2020, Judi Dotson said the company’s most significant achievements are delivering for its clients, managing the business and taking care of its people — despite encountering wave after wave of challenges.
As Booz Allen’s National Security Group leader, Dotson is grateful to lead an amazing group of leaders and a team whose dedication to the mission remained constant throughout this unprecedented year.
Advanced, flexible, secure technology platforms became even more critical in 2020 as agencies shifted some of their workforce to remote operations. Booz Allen has used emerging technologies to help advance federal missions this year in areas including implementing data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions; creatively addressing data overload; implementing cybersecurity initiatives; and modernizing digital solutions.
With respect to NextGen Networks, Booz Allen has pushed in the areas of 5G, cyber defense, zero trust and embedded analysis. It has applied emerging technologies to address malware/reverse engineering, counter IED, investigating jamming of GPS devices, and deep fakes.
“We are leaning forward with respect to encryption using technologies related to quantum, dark web capability discovery, and digital currencies and blockchain services,” Dotson said. “We are advancing the federal mission understanding on the proliferation of common protocols associated to [Internet of Things] devices, including how to properly isolate and analyze according to mission need.”
Finally, Booz Allen is using leading-edge technologies to perform analytics at the edge to reduce volume burdens for unnecessary/redundant data within storage warehouses and to make effective value assessments on data and pioneer predictive analytics.
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As long as COVID continues to be a threat, Booz Allen’s first priority will continue to be protecting the health of its people.
“Within that context, our National Security Group Leadership Team is committed to equipping our team with the skills and solutions that help our clients protect our nation and stay ahead of the adversary,” Dotson said.
That will be accomplished through individual development plans that include training and educational programs, rotational assignments, hands-on laboratory experiences, mentoring, exposure to diverse thinking, collaboration and external hiring.
