Rome, NY- Griffiss Institute (GI) proudly welcomes Alissa Bookwalter as Chief Talent Officer. Alissa will lead the GI’s focus to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to tackle national security challenges through technically adept leadership.
Alissa comes to the GI from Washington, D.C., with an outstanding and relevant background in people operations and program management in the federal government, industry, and nonprofit sectors. A seasoned and dynamic executive with a deep passion for mission-driven work in national security, Alissa has served as a Program Manager for General Dynamics; Deputy Director of People Operations, and Talent Management for the United States Digital Service; and most recently as Chief of Staff at Kessel Run and Executive Board Officer and Co-Director for the Federal Military Family Workforce Network, supported by the Interagency Veterans Advisory Council and The White House’s Joining Forces Initiative. Alissa also is an Adjunct Faculty and Senior Program Advisor in the Master of Business and Science program at Rutgers University, where she partners students with private sector organizations and federal agencies for experiential learning and mentorship.
“Ms. Bookwalter is a patriot and people operations expert with a demonstrated commitment to the success of every team she has served in the course of her career,” said GI President and CEO, Heather Hage. “Her life’s work has found a perfect outlet at the GI, where she is now entrusted with a shared responsibility to deliver the nation’s future cyber workforce with the necessary speed and proficiency to preserve America’s military superiority and economic advantage.”
“The AFRL team is excited to welcome Alissa Bookwalter as Chief Talent Officer at our neighboring partner, the Griffiss Institute,” said Karen Roth, Chief Engineer at AFRL’s Information Directorate. “She is an innovator with a proven track record of working with government entities and the scientific community to assist the GI on its expansion journey in the coming year. I look forward to an exciting collaboration.”
“It is a privilege to serve as the Chief Talent Officer at the Griffiss Institute, alongside such a dedicated and highly talented team,” said Alissa Bookwalter. “People are important, just as a clearly articulated mission and vision are important. This means we must find new and creative ways to develop and inspire the emerging technology leaders of tomorrow. I am excited and look forward to accelerating our strategic contributions in this space.”
Alissa holds a Master’s in education from the Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s in history from Westminster College. She also obtained a certificate in project management from Georgetown University and completed the Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) program through Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families.