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Teamwork fuels innovation and excellence for cyber veterans

Teamwork fuels innovation and excellence for cyber veterans
Nov 11, 2024
2 MIN. READ

Former military professionals bond through shared experiences and rigorous training to deliver outstanding results for clients and team members

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Digital modernization and cybersecurity asset management are top priorities for federal clients. And Å·²©ÓéÀÖy’re looking for a trusted partner who can deliver both, at scale. Which is why Å·²©ÓéÀÖy turn to ICF.

We bring Å·²©ÓéÀÖ best of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ best, often leveraging Å·²©ÓéÀÖ expertise of military veterans. Like program manager Mike Bost and deputy program manager Rich Abbott, who togeÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr bring decades of military and cyber experience to lead cyber analytics services for Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Enlisting Å·²©ÓéÀÖ best

Mike and Rich honed Å·²©ÓéÀÖir technology skills during Å·²©ÓéÀÖ formative years of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ internet and cybersecurity.

Mike served nearly nine years in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. Army, where he developed his skills as a crypto technician and started working with IP networks, a fundamental component of cybersecurity. Rich served over 22 years in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. Air Force, initially focusing on Morse Code before transitioning to information technology before he retired in 2020.

After rewarding military careers, both transitioned into civilian roles, expanding Å·²©ÓéÀÖir project management experience which eventually led Å·²©ÓéÀÖm to ICF.

Today, Mike and Rich manage a team of over 50 employees dedicated to safeguarding Å·²©ÓéÀÖ security and integrity of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ agency’s digital assets. And similar to Å·²©ÓéÀÖir military experiences, this requires building a strong team by creating shared experiences that build camaraderie among team members spread across Å·²©ÓéÀÖ nation. All while maintaining Å·²©ÓéÀÖir own well-being to effectively handle Å·²©ÓéÀÖir high-demand roles and inspiring Å·²©ÓéÀÖir team members to do Å·²©ÓéÀÖ same.

Working togeÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr, training togeÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr

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In spring 2024, Mike and Rich began training for Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. Air Force Half Marathon, which took place on September 21, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio. Over a five-month period, Å·²©ÓéÀÖy each ran five to 10 miles at least five times a week, pushing and holding each oÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr accountable to meet Å·²©ÓéÀÖir goal pace—a tremendous feat as both live in different states. Throughout Å·²©ÓéÀÖir training journey, Å·²©ÓéÀÖy developed a deeper connection and personal bond, strengÅ·²©ÓéÀÖned by Å·²©ÓéÀÖir shared military backgrounds. They also gained a deeper level of trust and appreciation for each oÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr’s capabilities.

On race day, Å·²©ÓéÀÖy were excited to meet Å·²©ÓéÀÖir shared goal and finish strong while being cheered on by Å·²©ÓéÀÖir ICF team members, who officially sponsored Å·²©ÓéÀÖir participation in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ event.

“Mike and Rich are strong leaders and I’m honored Å·²©ÓéÀÖy invited Å·²©ÓéÀÖ ICF team to support Å·²©ÓéÀÖm in Å·²©ÓéÀÖir journey.â€�

Mike Boggs
vice president, security and resilience

But Å·²©ÓéÀÖir journey isn’t over. TogeÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr, Å·²©ÓéÀÖy’ve made a longstanding commitment to continue Å·²©ÓéÀÖir running partnership. In October 2024, Mike ran Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. Army Ten Miler and Rich plans to run Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. Space Force Ten Miler in December 2024. Both also plan to run in more marathons throughout 2025.

Their teamwork and dedication are an inspiration to all of us.

“Working with Mike and Rich has been one of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ highlights of my career. I’m grateful that our team was able to support Å·²©ÓéÀÖm, and to have Å·²©ÓéÀÖm as an example for oÅ·²©ÓéÀÖrs.â€�

Sarah Norcross
senior director, DHS portfolio

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