M6 Leadership Spotlight: Sandra Hissey

This week, we are excited to feature Sandra Hissey in our M6 Leadership Spotlight. As an On-site Project Manager with Morgan 6 and the U.S. Naval Academy, Sandra brings a unique blend of technical expertise and a passion for IT customer service, which she discovered early in her career. She quickly found her calling in roles where she could make a direct impact by helping others. Sandra recently celebrated three years with Morgan 6.

Tell us about your background and your role at M6.

When I first went to school, I thought I was going to be a programmer – I can program in three different languages. But while I was going to school for programming, I started an IT customer service job that I really loved. I found that I preferred that work because at the end of the day, I know for sure I’ve made at least one person’s day better, and maybe multiple people’s days better. 

So, if we fast forward 25-30 years, you know, I’ve had all of the roles that I currently manage. I’ve done them all. I’ve always done contract work, and I have to say that Morgan 6 and the U.S. Naval Academy has been my absolute favorite contract in all of that time. It’s just one of those contracts where even though I’m a PM, I still get to get my hands dirty. I get to help with the hardware. I get to do some Active Directory type of stuff. It really allows me to balance out the leadership that I have with keeping some of those tech skills handy, which is good because I like to tinker. This morning, for example, I was taking machines apart for demolition. I just want to support my team as best I can.

What’s the size of your team? 

14, including myself. We have six senior techs, and then the rest are juniors. It’s a nice team.

Why did you join M6? 

I grew up spending a lot of time at my grandmother’s house, which was walking distance from the Naval Academy. So, I always wanted to work at the Naval Academy. It was like this little dream, and I never thought I was going to be good enough to work there. But, then I saw an opening with Morgan 6 specifically here, and I decided to apply. What could it hurt? It wasn’t until I actually started digging into Morgan 6 and their values that I was like, “Oh, this aligns with who I am as a person.” 

How long have you been with M6?

I just celebrated my three year anniversary, and it’s been a fast three years! But you know what brought me here was actually the desire to work for the USNA and then it turned out that I got this fantastic contracting company in Morgan 6. 

What has been your most rewarding experience at M6 so far?

I’d say the reward has been the progression. When I started with this team on this [U.S. Naval Academy] contract, we knew there was a lot of work to do. Within six months, I was able to get to a place of trust with the customer. Then it took another year to build up the team and the staffing pipeline the way it needed to be structured. 

I’m proud of being able to consistently bring in strong talent. I get to work with people, build them up, and make sure they have the skills needed. And, then they leave me for promotions to become network administrators, data administrators, security team members, and a good number have been hired by the Naval Academy itself, which means I still get to watch them grow. Seeing other people succeed and knowing I set them up for that success is probably one of the biggest things that makes me smile. 

Is there any M6 value that clearly shines through in your work or that resonates with you and your role the most?

Honor: I present things honestly, particularly with my customer. And in return, I want that same respect from my customer. I think that approach allows you to build some genuine relationships. By acting with honor, I never compromise my ethics for short term or personal gain.

What ways do you think M6’s values set it apart from other organizations?

Morgan 6 cares about its employees. We invest in our employees. We broadcast about the tuition assistance program. You’re never going to see me or anyone at Morgan 6 guilt trip somebody for not feeling well and calling out or using their leave. That genuine care for the individual allows the individual to truly care for their customer. And, I think when you have that very happy employee who feels supported by their organization and by their local leaders, you get someone who’s going to do a phenomenal job for your organization.

What’s something interesting or unique about you that others might not know?

I used to be an online casino pit boss. I took what was supposed to be a data entry job. It turned out to be a bit more than that. 

Is there anything else about M6 you’d like to share that we haven’t covered already?

The leadership is truly people first. I love that this is an organization that supports our future leaders, our future military, and that supports our government. Here at the Naval Academy, I know that I’ve got 5,000 college students roaming around outside now, but I also know those are our future naval leaders. Morgan 6 continually seeks out to support those people who choose to risk their lives and write a blank check to our country to protect us, and it’s truly an honor to support them.

Rapid Fire Questions

What’s the best title you’ve ever had – personal or professional?

Oma, that’s German for grandma. I have a six year old grandson, and he’s the best.

What can we find you doing in your free time? 

Walking the dogs in the park. I have two mixed breeds – both seniors that were rescues. They’re two very different personalities. One’s a talker and the other is a cool gentleman who says nothing. He just looks at you, bats his eyes, and you have to pet him.

Are there any books or movies that you’ve watched or read lately that you think are amazing that you want to tell people about? 

I’m a podcast person, and I like true crime podcasts. There’s one called ‘Deck of Cards,’ and it’s a true crime unsolved murder. 

One book I love is Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. And, everyone at M6 is reading Never Finished by David Goggins.

Who would you most like to have dinner with or be stuck on a desert island with? 

I would love to have dinner with my grandmother. I miss her a lot. Stuck on a desert island? Any Navy SEAL would be great – I’ll be safe. Side note: I’m a very practical person.