Welcome to our Executive Q&A series, where you’ll read insights and experiences directly from Presidio Federal’s executive leadership.

In this edition, you’ll hear from Deborah Tillman, Facility Security Officer (FSO), to discuss her leadership role, her journey at Presidio Federal, and personal anecdotes that have shaped her career.

• Can you give us a brief overview of what your FSO role entails?

As the FSO, I implement and manage many security, compliance, and training requirements for Presidio Federal as a cleared contractor. Most think we FSOs only manage personnel security requirements for a cleared workforce, but it’s so much more. Overall, my primary priority is ensuring Presidio Federal protects the government’s sensitive and classified information as well as our own proprietary data. 

• Tell us about your IT role in the United States Air Force and lessons learned from that role that you use as FSO today. 

Every assignment taught me about different security disciplines and the methods to manage and protect government assets and resources. I learned so much starting with my assignment at the AF cryptologic school learning about communications security (COMSEC) to my last duty station at Langley assigned to command level COMSEC, network supervisor in the NOSC and finally as a command level network program manager. I’m so proud of my career and accomplishments.  

I was affectionately called the QOLNET Queen because I managed the Quality of Life Network upgrade for the entire command; it was like herding many cats but I got it done. The Air Force taught me to be a leader, to get things done, and how to win the trust of my team. That translated well to Presidio Federal because I had to fight for the full support of management as my FSO role continued to evolve in the company. And as the FSO I not only need the trust of our staff, but that of the federal government. I consider myself doubly blessed to have had a successful security career first in the military and now in industry security!

• You’ve been with Presidio and now Presidio Federal for quite some time. What initially attracted you to the company, and how has your journey evolved since joining? 

Back then Presidio (PNS) was a small company who came looking for me six months after I retired from the Air Force. While I was active duty, we established a rapport through a contract.  They contacted me because they needed an experienced security person who could take on their industry security requirements and other tasks. I became the company FSO, the SmartNet Program Manager and I also built/managed the past performance database. Over the years as Presidio exponentially grew into a huge family of companies, I had to focus solely on security requirements. These last four years have been a fun, but challenging journey with the federally mandated creation of Presidio Federal. I feel so blessed to be considered part of the executive team.

• If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? 

Be kinder to yourself and make self-care a focus. I’ve always strived to work hard and perform well on the job. Finding a work-life balance is extremely important.