Security Partnerships Matter
Tamara Hutchinson, Director of Private Sector Engagement and Senior Counselor at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Intelligence and Analysis, is a long-time teambuilder who has dedicated herself to every position she’s been in. Hutchinson began in the private sector before joining the Department of Defense. Hutchinson worked with Army Special Operations for over a decade, working on national security deployments.
“I started my career in a fast-paced environment,” Hutchinson says.
Hutchinson’s skillset gained recognition by a former boss, who recruited her to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). However, the role didn’t match the pace Hutchinson was used to. “The position they hired me for didn’t have much for me to do, so I was bored out of my mind. When I went to my boss, I suggested a different role would be a better fit, and I was moved to the position of Director of Security, Office of Intelligence and Analysis,” Hutchinson says. “From there, I was able to build a team during a period where our office was facilitating the deployment of secure communications and overseeing the construction of security clearances all around the country.” This work was exciting and rewarding to support key stakeholders and build new relationships.
"I was asked to take a details positions at the National Counterterrorism Center, where I went kicking and screaming, but absolutely loved my assignment of leading a team of first responders from around the country, who were embedded within the Intelligence Community.
After completing a two-year detail assignment, Hutchinson chose her current position as the Director of Private Sector Engagement, a position she’s held for more than 10 years.
“It's planning, it’s executing, and it’s being responsive to my internal DHS leadership, but also our private sector stakeholders around the country as well. I travel a lot. Because you can't do outreach and engagement sitting in your office, you have to get out and about and be where your stakeholders, your partners are those folks that who you're trying to support. So there's always that administrative kind of strategic piece that I'm responsible for, the planning, the budget, the HR, all of those things,” Hutchinson says.
"I currently have the best position in my organization, and often share that with my colleagues and leadership," Hutchinson says. "I have an amazing team of professionals working on several public-private partnership programs. We have formed some key partnerships with several national security agencies, and together we strive to support our private sector stakeholders globally. I’ve learned when you empower your team and give them programs to own the results are unlimited."
Just because we've always done it one way doesn't mean that's the best.
Hutchinson reflects on what she would tell someone looking to start their security career. “My advice would be to jump in with both feet; the field is so large and diverse. Build your network from the beginning. Surround yourself with people who have been doing the work for a while, and don't be afraid to offer new ideas. It is always helpful to find a good mentor or two,” Hutchinson says.
Hutchinson encourages younger generations to voice their ideas, to not be afraid to share opinions even if they’re the youngest person in the room.
“Some of the best ideas about how we're doing business now have come from some of my more junior employees. They come in motivated with lots of good ideas, and I love it. I'm always open to hearing from them. I create and give them the space to lead engagements and be seen. I want to empower them to be comfortable with offering new suggestions,” Hutchinson says.
Hutchinson's long career hasn’t been a stagnant one, and she works hard to keep it that way. “Just because we've always done it one way doesn't mean that's the best.” Hutchinson says. “Sometimes other people see better ways of doing things, and their experiences can help you grow into your role and potentially avoid some pitfalls,” Hutchinson says.
This November, Hutchinson will celebrate 20 years with the DHS. Aside from her work, Hutchinson enjoys spending time with her large family and prides herself on helping to guide the younger generation into their career paths and connecting them to professional opportunities. She has an innate ability to maintain long lasting relationships and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
