Katie Olson

For the Defense Digital Service, the COVID-19 pandemic “really allowed us to push the limit” of the remote workplace model across the Department of Defense, said DDS acting Director Katie Olson. And now with vaccines and workplaces beginning to safely reopen, it’s a good opportunity for leaders to take stock of how they can keep parts of that model going. “I think what it’s putting an emphasis on is to determine what we really need in a workforce,” Olson told FedScoop. “We saw a huge benefit during the pandemic to having people live and work all over the country. It allows you to tap into a bigger workforce, but also, frankly, having people in other geographies is really helpful.” Olson added that she’s passionate about making sure an expanded remote workforce model opens more opportunities for women, people of color and other minorities to join the DOD workforce.