Booz Allen Honored by Washington, D.C.'s Ford's Theatre Society

The firm receives an award for its comprehensive growth plan to restore an aging historic landmark to prominence.

Booz Allen Hamilton was recognized on January 15, 2008, for its dedication and service to the Ford’s Theatre Society (FTS) at a dinner held at the National Archives.

On behalf of the firm, principal Joe Suarez accepted the award, which resembles a bust of Abraham Lincoln, from Wayne R. Reynolds, chairman of the Ford’s Theatre Board.

“Ford’s Theatre gave Booz Allen this award in gratitude for the pro bono work led by senior vice president Eric Spiegel and his team,” Suarez said. “The strategy crafted by the team is an evolving process that will continue for several years, and underscores the quality work the firm does in support of numerous non-profit organizations.”

A Washington, D.C. landmark, Ford’s Theatre holds a definitive place in history. After Abraham Lincoln was assassinated while attending a performance, the theater served a variety of functions before reopening in 1968. Its popularity began slipping, however, as competition from the local theater scene began to grow.

In 2006, Booz Allen undertook a project to provide recommendations that would combine the theater’s historic identity with a new artistic and leadership vision.

The firm analyzed FTS’s mission, strategy, and business model and made several significant recommendations to be implemented over the next few years, including the introduction of new theater performances; renovation of the theater’s aging lobby and infrastructure; upgrades to its website; revival of its existing museum; improvements in its marketing and branding efforts; and the establishment of a leadership and educational center, all of which laid the groundwork for the theater’s new Capital Campaign.

“Booz Allen’s unique value proposition sets us apart from other companies that provide support to non-profit organizations,” Suarez says. “We leverage our people and intellectual capital to benefit the client.”

story posted April 2, 2008