I enjoyed the group projects during the MBA program. Since I participated in the part-time program in the evenings, many of us worked full-time, and several students were also parents. The diverse talent across the program was easily noticeable. My colleagues displayed the highest commitment and incredible work ethic to get things done. While we worked seamlessly as a team, we also made the projects fun, sharing stories and helping each other along the way.
Wendy Newby, Senior Executive Consultant for S&W Solutions, LLC, started her journey from a modest upbringing in Youngstown, Ohio. Her esteemed career with the CIA is a testament to hard work, determination, and seizing opportunities. Raised by parents who exemplified resilience, Wendy pursued her passion for automotive engineering, leveraging co-op programs and educational pursuits to broaden her skill set.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was very proud of my parents' accomplishments and wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps. In high school, I enjoyed mathematics and science and decided to pursue automotive engineering for my undergraduate degree. Kettering University (formerly GMI Engineering and Management Institute) had a co-op program where the students attended school 50 percent of the time and worked the other 50 percent.
I started working at GM’s Central Foundry (where engine castings were made) and acquired a great appreciation for the men and women who worked in manufacturing. The engineering co-op program provided students with valuable work experience, which greatly accelerated every student’s professional path. While working for the automotive industry, I quickly recognized the importance of understanding the industry's business side.
What factors helped you decide to choose Gatton for your MBA?
Upon graduation, I moved to Lexington, Kentucky, and began my graduate studies at UK’s Gatton College of Business and Economics. I read about UK’s MBA program and knew it was something I wanted to pursue. UK’s MBA degree would help round out my educational portfolio and provide a better understanding of the business aspects of a major corporation. I continued to work full-time for an automotive supplier in the area and attended classes in the evening. UK’s MBA program gave me much-needed flexibility to balance professional and educational development.
How did you eventually end up at the CIA?
With my engineering and MBA combo, I returned to General Motors, working in its Advanced Technology (Electric Vehicle) program. As one of the few engineers working on a pure electric vehicle program in the mid-90s, I was honored to be part of the team ahead of its time. This futuristic group showed me what being part of something greater than yourself was like. Everyone wanted to succeed, and we knew we needed each other to make it happen. We were truly a team.
Because of my MBA, I was selected to participate in a structural leadership development program under the corporate audit team. This group worked on special projects determined by the C-suite and Board of Directors. Working with professional auditors, I applied my MBA knowledge to assist with the highest levels of corporate decision-making.
I enjoyed my corporate career and was given amazing opportunities with increasing responsibility. Then 9-11 happened, and like most Americans that day, I wondered if there was something I could do to help my country. I went online and applied for a federal government position. While it was difficult to leave a career I had built for over a decade, it was more important to me to answer the call to help protect my country.
I was fortunate to have been trained by both the FBI and CIA, first becoming an FBI Special Agent and eventually joining the CIA’s Directorate of Operations. My CIA career included numerous senior-level headquarters and foreign field management tours, managing stations and bases. I worked primarily on transnational issues and managed interagency teams focused on top policy objectives, especially concerning countering terrorism, cyber activities, and the proliferation of WMD. Other highlights in my career included serving as the Executive Assistant to the CIA Director/Deputy Director and being selected as the CIA’s Senior Representative to FBI’s International Operations, where I could see how intelligence operations directly support the highest levels of government engagement worldwide. I held numerous war zone leadership positions, which required a whole-of-government approach to achieve mission success. I was honored to be recognized with the George C. Tenet Award for Leadership for my efforts.
How has the role of women evolved since you began your career?
Early in my career, specifically in the automotive industry and law enforcement, I realized I was typically one of the few women in that line of work. I never limited myself based on those averages but focused on working hard and delivering results (whatever the task). My parents treated me and my siblings as equals, never discouraging us from trying something outside the norm. Therefore, I always thought I belonged in the room just like anyone else.
I have been fortunate to have female and male advocates throughout my career who supported me and provided me with opportunities I would likely not have known about. I continue to advocate for other females who come behind me and encourage senior leaders to help other junior employees develop their career. My best advice is to work hard, learn your craft (become one of the best), be a team player, and follow your calling.
Do you have a favorite memory from Gatton?
I enjoyed the group projects during the MBA program. Since I participated in the part-time program in the evenings, many of us worked full-time, and several students were also parents. The diverse talent across the program was easily noticeable. My fellow colleagues displayed the highest commitment and incredible work ethic to get things done. While we worked seamlessly as a team, we also made the projects fun, sharing stories and helping each other along the way.
