Meet Tom

Tom Pfeifer leads Booz Allen’s National Security Sector and is a member of our leadership team. With almost 40 years of industry experience, Tom has a passion—and a sense of urgency—for transforming and strengthening the nation’s mission-critical combat and national security systems with an emphasis on robust resiliency, survivability, and adaptability.

He leads a purpose-built team of mission domain experts augmented by a team of highly technical professionals with deep expertise in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital solutions, and engineering & science. A primary focus of the National Security Sector is to address and resolve emerging threats to national systems and critical infrastructure.

Prior to his current role, Tom led several business units focused on defense military intelligence, space, national agencies, the Air Force, and NASA. Tom focused on evolving the businesses closer to the mission through innovative architectures; system engineering and integration of systems; pilots/prototypes with science and technology and research and development organizations; solutions work as a prime and as a subcontractor to original equipment manufacturers; and transforming combat support systems and processes. Tom’s passion for business development and expansion led him to relocate around the country several times during his more than 30 years with the firm.

Earlier in his career, Tom spent significant time in the Indo-Pacific region modernizing combat support systems of an indigenous navy in preparation for future conflicts. The work was done through the Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales contracts as well as direct State Department-sanctioned contracts. As a result, Tom brings a deep appreciation and understanding of the cultural nuances—and the need for a diverse and inclusive workforce—when addressing complex global interactions.

Tom is a subject matter expert in position, navigation, and timing (PNT) technology and GPS. He was a senior leader of Booz Allen’s resilient-PNT (R-PNT) research and development and has been highly engaged in R-PNT external engagements for defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial clients. In addition, Tom has been a key contributor to our functional standards/quality initiatives including the firm’s software CMMi, ISO-9001, and ISO-20000 certifications.

Tom holds a master’s in computer systems management and a bachelor’s in economics, both from the University of Maryland. He is a member of the Institute of Navigation (ION), the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE) Computer Society, the American Society for Quality (ASQ), and the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA).

What drives you? I am driven to complete “unfinished business.” I have a sense of urgency to leverage the best Booz Allen has to offer to address and resolve the emerging threats that the nation faces in concert with our clients and industry partners. I believe a strong, prepared nation will serve as an even stronger deterrent.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Bloom where you are planted.” Throughout my career, I’ve been given numerous assignments that I was convinced were dead ends. I dutifully and diligently worked my way through one difficult job after another not truly understanding how each would or could benefit my career. Looking back, my mindset was wrong. Each challenge became a stepping stone to greater opportunity and advancement. Trust your career manager, make the most of a given situation, and try to be more comfortable with the unseen path.

What can we do to be happier? Everyone needs to understand who they are, and more importantly, who they are not. We all have strengths and weaknesses—and that’s okay. Take on jobs that are challenging yet achievable. When it is a multi-person effort, surround yourself with people who are different than you. Be comfortable with diversity in all its dimensions. Volunteer for meaningful work rather than waiting to be given an assignment. Do more than your fair share and try not to keep score. Accept others and help them to be their best. Try not to let things that are out of your control effect your mental health.

Why is it important for Booz Allen to be a diverse and inclusive workplace? People—their perspectives, their experiences, their creativity—power innovation. We face global adversaries every day, and our mission is better served when our people are diverse in culture, skillset, and mindset. When Booz Allen provides an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we can attract and retain employees that bring myriad perspectives to the challenges we face as a nation. Diversity and inclusion are not only critical components of our firm’s values but are critical to national security.