Kathleen Pumphrey

"My first job in the IC was at the CIA as a government employee. I started out of college and worked there for 15 years before becoming a contractor."

"[Share a career highlight or milestone] Many aspects of my job as a Business Area Manager/Program Director excite me. I enjoy the variety of responsibilities and challenges that my job presents.  Each day is different, and being able to anticipate and manage issues while also coaching team members to achieve more and get them motivated and excited about work is appealing.  I am very competitive and this job fulfills this purpose in many ways."

"In the next 2-3 years, I believe that China, Russia and Cybersecurity are all still going to be the top IC issues.  I don’t think any of them can be considered the top.  They all have to be worked as they all are very important.  As rapid advances in technology continue, malicious and Cyber-attacks are still going to be an issue that needs to be a top priority.  And, China/Russia are not going away as major threats to the US.” 

“[What one piece of advice would you offer a student considering a career in the IC] If you want a career where you will achieve genuine satisfaction, knowing that you will make a real contribution to our country and help protect those you love, then join the IC.  And, understand you will be challenged to make decisions and be privy to information that most will never have to make or be aware of.  For that, you may need to make compromises.”

Favorite TV Show: Yellowstone.  Yellowstone is prime real estate and it is exciting watching the powerful Dutton family fight to keep their land away from developers, major corporations, and politicians while also watching the day-to-day drama, action play out on the ranch.