Christopher Bollerer – Associate
Since joining Booz Allen Hamilton in 2002, one thing in particular about the firm stands out for associate Chris Bollerer: “There’s a deep sense of community here,” he says. “There’s a recognition that each individual brings something unique to the table—a perspective, a skill set, a particular talent. Booz Allen fosters each person’s unique strength and encourages it. I think those qualities lead to the fine reputation of the firm and the successes that we enjoy.”
For Chris, this approach inspires his self-confidence. “It pushed me to develop subject matter expertise in a number of different areas.”
Today, his focus is primarily in the healthcare sector, where he specializes in information security development and support, policy development, federal information security compliance, and security certification and accreditation processes.
He contributes to a number of projects that can be both complex and fulfilling. “One project involved the implementation of security programs throughout several federal agencies, and it was a particularly positive experience,” he says. “We had a necessarily structured approach, but there is also an entrepreneurial spirit to a task when you start something from scratch with clients who value your experience and leadership.
“Information security and privacy are fundamental concepts,” he adds. “Enabling our clients to successfully protect information is always a challenging yet gratifying responsibility.”
Ongoing Opportunities to Excel
Booz Allen’s sense of community has also inspired Chris get involved in local and regional volunteer efforts outside of work. “I’ve participated in a number of firm-sponsored volunteer and forum events over the past years. I’m not as involved as I’d like to be, but I hope to become more involved soon.
“I am lucky enough to be part of an administrative team that is very conscientious when it comes to giving back. We regularly participate in activities that raise money for local charities or to help out Booz Allen employees.”
A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, where he earned a B.A. degree in history with a concentration in English, Chris’ first job was for Potomac KnowledgeWay, a nonprofit advocacy group addressing technology opportunities in the Washington, D.C. region. He later served as a network architect at Digital Focus Inc., a software development company.
He continues his professional education with Booz Allen’s course offerings, and has completed Task Management, Interpersonal and Team Effectiveness, Effective Task Performance, and Managing People for Peak Performance. Managing People was of particular interest to him. “I learned a great deal about team dynamics and how to apply the knowledge that each team member can bring to the table. We all perform individually, but success is truly influenced by those around us. It’s important to learn how to help enable that success.”
Chris’ favorite assignment to date has also been one of the longest. “For four years, I’ve been a part of an incredibly dynamic team that developed and implemented an information security program from the ground up,” he explains. “I’ve been able to see the great amount of change and numerous successes resulting from the team’s hard work. Being able to see that progress—from an idea to a robust, mature reality—has been gratifying and continues to motivate me.”
Creating a Work-Life Balance
Although the satisfaction of creating first-rate solutions is important, what Chris likes best about the firm is its recognition of a work–life balance. “Being the father of a toddler, I try to arrive at the office early in the morning and leave in the afternoon so I can spend the evening with my daughter, and I appreciate that flexibility in my schedule.
“Booz Allen continues to provide many opportunities for me to gain different types of experiences and knowledge, each of which has made me better at what I do on a daily basis,” he says.
profile posted May 2007
