M6 Leadership Spotlight: Allison Jennings
Join us in recognizing Allison Jennings, Executive Director of Business Operations at Morgan 6, in this week’s leadership spotlight. Allison has been with Morgan 6 since the company’s early days. Leveraging her experience working with large government contractors, Allison has built processes and teams to enable our business to scale. Her team is responsible for all the behind-the-scenes activities from IT, Security, Accounting, and Contracts to Finance and Corporate Administration.
Tell us about your background and your current role at M6.
I’m currently the Executive Director of Business Operations, however my role has changed throughout my time at Morgan 6. I first joined the company as the third employee back in 2013, and was responsible for a little bit of everything. Back then we had no processes, procedures, systems, certifications, audits, etc.. So we were basically starting from scratch. When I look back and compare where we are now with where we were then, it’s just wild to see how far we’ve come.
Today, my operations team – or as we call it “the Backbone” – is responsible for all those behind the scenes activities that keep the lights on: IT, Security, Accounting, Contracts, Finance, and Corporate Administration.
Because of the team we’ve built and the processes and systems we’ve put in place, not only are we capable and prepared, but we are pushing for a significant amount of growth. Feeling confident and ready to expand our project portfolio is a great feeling.
What motivated you to join Morgan 6?
Prior to Morgan 6 I had only worked for large companies in the Washington D.C. area, so when I made the move to Charleston I was open to a different kind of professional experience. Leaving a large, stable business to join a start-up government contractor was a huge risk on my part but it seemed so exciting to have the opportunity to build a small business from the ground up. I felt like I could make a difference and I believed in the future of Morgan 6’s success. Lucky for me it worked out great!
M6 prioritizes its values – which one stands out to you?
Defend the castle. I’m often called the protector of the company just because I always have that hat on. I want to make sure we’re making smart decisions. I want to make sure we’re thinking through things and how actions we take could impact customers, employees, and the business’ future success. For me, it’s simple: without the castle, nothing else exists. So, I make sure that our castle – the company – is built on a strong foundation.
What ways do you think M6’s values set it apart from other companies?
My experience has been that the people who have been successful at Morgan 6 care about the success of the company just as much as they care about their personal success.
It’s different from when you’re at a large business, where sometimes it’s really hard to feel connected to the work you’re doing. Here, you truly see the impact that you make, and that’s very fulfilling.
How does working at M6 align with your career goals or your personal values?
You have so much freedom and trust here. Working at Morgan 6 allows me to work how I feel most comfortable. It lets me lead how I feel comfortable leading. It gives me opportunities and lets me pass on opportunities. At Morgan 6, I have the flexibility to shape my role to play to my strengths and I have a say in my career goals within the company. I’m also extremely fortunate to be a part of a leadership team that is so supportive of each other. In case you cannot tell, I think Morgan 6 is the best place to work ever.
What has been your most rewarding experience at M6 so far?
The most rewarding experience I’ve had at M6 so far was when we won our contract with the U.S. Naval Academy. At that time, we were still a small team so to propose and win our first prime contract award was a really big deal.
Can you share more about a recent project that you worked on and the impact that it had?
The increase in our use of the capabilities and features of our Deltek Costpoint (Accounting & Timekeeping) system has been probably the biggest impact-maker we’ve had in our department the last few months. Not only have we improved our processes and efficiencies but we’re now able to make decisions based on data and reports from the system.
What’s something interesting or unique about you that others might not know?
I have twins. They’re seven. They’re boys. They’re crazy.
Is there anything else that you feel is important to share about M6 that we haven’t covered yet?
I’ve noticed a huge change in the last two years. With the addition of certain key members of the team, we’re narrowing our scope as a company in terms of what we provide and how we want to provide that work. It’s such a positive direction. I’ve never felt more confident in the people we have and in our future. It’s a really exciting period of time for us and I feel like big things are coming. We’re so ready. I’m ready. I’m really excited to grow, so I love it.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS
What’s the best title you’ve ever had, personal or professional?
Mom, obviously.
What can we find you doing in your free time?
Traveling. I was determined to learn how to travel hack, so a few years ago I took a class, learned all of these strategies, and practiced, practiced, practiced. I’m almost two years in and it’s led to such awesome experiences for my family. Our next big adventure is Morocco over Christmas.
Do you have a favorite place that you’ve ever been to?
Oh, I love so many places. But recently – last Christmas – we went to Costa Rica with our two boys who were six years old at the time. They went crazy for all the adventures. We went canyoning down waterfalls, ziplining, white water rafting, rode ATVs, etc. Experiencing travel and new adventures through their eyes is what makes places special to me.
Are there any books or movies that you’ve watched or read lately that you think are amazing?
My family just saw Transformers One and it was awesome – I highly recommend.
Who would you like to have dinner with or be stuck on a desert island with?
I want to meet my descendants down the line – see what they are like and how life is different.