People Profile

Kendall Adler Keeps Veterans Connected with Telehealth

Proud to support VA’s Office of Connected Care

Kendall Adler’s client, the Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Connected Care (VA OCC), helps veterans by providing them with digital avenues to access healthcare and other services. Kendall’s work for VA OCC focuses on improving veterans’ access to specialty care through virtual options like telehealth—options that have rapidly risen from important to essential as the COVID-19 pandemic makes it difficult for people to safely leave their homes.

“Telehealth is integral to safeguarding vulnerable patient populations in the midst of a pandemic.”

- Kendall Adler

It’s especially meaningful to Kendall that her work directly benefits the nation’s veterans, as she hails from a military family. She herself served 4 years of active duty as a nurse in the U.S. Navy.

We recently spoke with Kendall to learn more about her background, career, and passion for serving veterans through her work at Booz Allen.

How did you get started working in healthcare, and how does your work at Booz Allen fit into your overall career?

I’ve worked in healthcare since I graduated from college. I served as a Navy nurse for 4 years on active duty, and upon finishing graduate school started work in healthcare consulting. My work at Booz Allen has brought me full circle, back to supporting and improving care delivery for military service members, their families, and veterans.

What’s your most memorable moment at Booz Allen so far?

It’s when I was supporting the Office of Women’s Health for the Defense Health Agency. We were working to develop a perinatal care pathway at Naval Medical Center San Diego and spent a lot of time on the wards where I used to work as an active duty nurse. Several people from my former life recognized me. They were so excited by the work I was now doing as a contractor. It was then I realized I was still making an impact to patient care despite not being at the bedside.

How does your work at Booz Allen align with your personal interests and beliefs?

My passion is healthcare. Since joining Booz Allen nearly 5 years ago, I’ve always been able to support a health contract, whether remotely or on client site. Working with an organization that supports my professional interests and goals is satisfying, especially when that support continues through challenges that some places might consider “out of the norm,” like military Permanent Change of Station moves.

Was your decision to work for Booz Allen related to your status as a military spouse? When did you know you’d made the right decision?

I did choose Booz Allen in part because of its reputation for supporting military spouses and their career development. It’s important to me that I’m able to maintain a career—not just have a job—while supporting my spouse who serves on active duty. Booz Allen affords me the flexibility I need to manage our lives at home while simultaneously presenting me with challenging growth opportunities as a professional. I knew I made the right decision when we moved unexpectedly from Virginia Beach to San Diego after I’d been with the firm for only 5 months. My transition was seamless thanks to support from my managers and the Military Spouse Association.

How does your and your family’s military service add purpose to your work?

I come from a long line of military service. My father was a career naval officer and I served alongside both my sisters in the Navy. My husband currently serves on active duty. Serving my country on active duty and now as a military spouse is something I’m honored to say I’ve done. It makes my daily work with Booz Allen that much more important. It really reaches home for me or my family and friends on a daily basis.