March 15, 2023

Forward Networks, a meaningful career path for retiring federal employees

by Rodney Alto

I’ve been fortunate enough to serve my country as a member of the Senior Intelligence Service (SIS) in the Central Intelligence Agency. As a kid growing up in northern Minnesota, a career at the CIA seemed an impossible dream, and yet I was able to serve my country and our allies around the world for 35 years.  

All too quickly, I found myself ready for retirement from the government but not ready to retire. I had developed so many technical and leadership skills that I was ready for another challenge, but I was unsure of how to transition to the private sector. In the CIA we had a saying, “We are the nation’s first line of defense. We accomplish what others cannot accomplish and go where others cannot go.”

I couldn’t go from a role like that to just any job. I needed to work in an environment that was making changes in the way businesses function, a company that embraced the same mentality that nothing is too hard. At the same time, I wanted to join an organization that would respect my experience, offer new growth opportunities, and be filled with smart, quality people.

I’d met David Erickson, the CEO of Forward Networks, and I knew this company was delivering a new category of technology, which is challenging to say the least. David expressed interest in having me join the company to focus on federal strategy and security. Now that I’ve been with the company for nearly 3 months, I know I made the right choice. The passion reminds me of my team at the CIA with a focus on innovation, commitment, collaboration, and integrity. My experience is valued and I’m already able to contribute to the company in a meaningful way. 

I see the mission at Forward Networks as, “We are the network’s first line of defense, we accomplish what other companies cannot accomplish, and we go where other companies have not gone.” Being part of this is exciting. The company is financially stable having just closed $50 million in Series D funding, and we’re hiring.

If you’re serving in the federal sector today as a government employee or a contractor, we’d like you to consider joining us – your experience will be valued, and you’ll continue to be challenged. Click here to explore career opportunities. 

Subscribe to our blog!

RELATED FORWARD CONTENT 
February 6, 2023
Visit Stand E08 at Cisco Live EMEA

Let the Games Begin! Cisco Live Amsterdam has officially started, and we’re delighted to be here meeting with the best and brightest of the European networking community. Stop by to say hello, and play Forward Quest to learn how easy it is to put your people back in charge of the network and register to […]

Read More
January 25, 2023
MSD Partners Leads Forward Networks $50M Series D Funding

Following 139% year-over-year growth, Forward Networks closed $50M in series D funding. The round was led by MSD Partners with support from new investors, Section 32, and Omega Venture Partners. Demonstrating ongoing support, existing investors Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs), Threshold Ventures, A. Capital, and Andreessen Horowitz participated in the round. Since its last […]

Read More
January 18, 2023
Forward Networks to Host Cloud Field Day 16

I don’t know which is more exciting: the fact that there’s no rain forecast for the next two weeks or that we’re hosting Cloud Field Day 16 at the Forward Networks headquarters in Santa Clara, CA. It’s a nice dose of synchronicity that we get a break in the rain to dry out and clean […]

Read More
crossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram