Security can enable and help deliver digital innovation. It can also contribute to competitive advantage. Gone are the days when cybersecurity was relegated to the “back office.” Security is now a key partner in business strategy.
Meet Katie
Vice President
Learn more about Katie
Click here to learn more about Katie's career
Katie Wilks leads global security transformation for Booz Allen’s commercial clients. She and her cross-functional teams help clients align their cybersecurity efforts and enable optimum business outcomes by designing and adopting new organizational models and governance constructs. Katie specializes in helping organizations adopt new security mindsets, approaches, and behaviors to help achieve their business objectives.
In her more than 12 years at Booz Allen, Katie has focused on enterprise-wide change and transformation for our government and commercial clients. She launched the commercial practice’s cyber transformation capability, helping organizations bolster their security programs. Previously, she helped commercial clients adopt data science and advanced analytics. She also led organizational change efforts for civilian clients such as the Department of Homeland Security and Veterans Administration. Before joining Booz Allen, Katie led enterprise-wide transformations for defense clients.
Katie received an M.B.A. from George Mason University and a B.A. in public policy from the College of William and Mary.
What inspires and motivates Katie? Click here
What are you most passionate about in the work you do for Booz Allen? I help commercial organizations secure their business. Large-scale security transformation is daunting and hard. When the stakes are high, there’s nothing better than seeing plans transition into action and produce results. In addition, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing uncertainty turn into advocacy and achievement.
What are the three most pressing needs in the security industry? First, we need to help security leaders amplify their voices in influencing business strategy. Secondly, we must maintain a certain pace to secure a rapidly evolving digital world. Lastly, we need to help organizations build and thrive within a fluid ecosystem that’s frictionless and secure.
Why is it important for Booz Allen to be a diverse and inclusive workplace? How are you contributing to creating a culture of inclusion at the firm? Transformation requires innovation and creativity. Innovation and creativity need perspective. A diverse workplace injects different perspectives that make for a richer experience. Diversity, however, will only get us so far. It may create the conditions, but inclusion is how to unlock the power. Helping people to feel included encourages a safe space to share and contribute. I purposely expose myself to new and different people and situations to help me learn, listen, and grow. Proactive education and curiosity demonstrate commitment.
How do you inspire your teams to do excellent work? How do your teams inspire you? I set high expectations for my team and aim to model and live by those same expectations. I believe a good leader is also a person who can empathize and relate. My team inspires me every day when they accept daunting challenges with passion, curiosity, humility, and intellect.
