Despite the fact that the U.S. military is one of the largest employers in the world, it simply cannot handle every detail in house. For example, the Department of Defense (DoD) seeks private-sector organizations to carry out specialized services, such as information technology and computer networking. Belcan fits neatly into this niche.
The Cincinnati, OH-based company offers the DoD, intelligence agencies and other government contractors expertise in enterprise IT products, such as risk management, cyber and information assurances, network and systems engineering, and software development.
As part of the Belcan team, Darrell K. DeMotta is pleased to once again be leading projects that benefit the armed services. He’s also excited to grow his own professional opportunities.
“I knew coming here I would be able to use my experience, but on a larger portfolio. Not only IT services, but cybersecurity and desktop support,” he says.
For the first half of his professional life, DeMotta served in the U.S. Air Force (USAF). He assumed many roles that revolved around technology. For instance, he was involved with technical air control for both conventional commands and Special Forces.
“Plus, I have a communications background, as well as background with operations and computer systems,” he says.
As DeMotta began contemplating a second career outside of the military, he decided to build on his growing technical repertoire. While still on active duty, he pursued an associate degree in IT and a bachelor’s degree in systems technology.
Despite 20 years working with cutting-edge aircraft and associated technology along with his degrees, DeMotta’s civilian job search didn’t start off as smoothly as he’d hoped. He wished to stay near his final posting in New York state, but found opportunities in the region limited. Once he broadened his search, though, he found success.
“My first civilian position was a program manager for the Cherokee Nation Technologies in IT and program management support,” remembers DeMotta.
Although it required a cross-country move, DeMotta values his time with the organization because it illuminated the differences between military or combat missions and projects in the business realm. The experience also helped DeMotta further define his career objectives.
“My goal now that I’m out of the military is to learn as much as I can about business so in a decade
or two, I can be a CEO or run an organization’s IT and cybersecurity operations,” he explains.
Accepting a role at Belcan in 2016 was another step toward that goal. As program director
for enterprise IT and cybersecurity, DeMotta has expanded his degree of technical duties and supervises
a larger team.
“I control four contracts for the National Security Agency (NSA) and the [General] Services Administration (GSA). I have 85 people all over the country,” he explains.
“Right now most of my focus is on government, but I do business development on the commercial side, too. Some of the cool things I’ve done [is help] mentor a small, upcoming company that’s a disability veteran-owned organization looking to expand. We mentor them in how government service works, human resources, business development, management and leadership,” he adds.
What’s more, DeMotta has assumed some staffing responsibilities, which has prompted him to reassess which aspects of the military work ethic readily translate to the business environment.
“There are a lot of things in the military we take for granted, like keeping a schedule, running projects and budgeting for squadrons. The Air Force taught me how to run an organization, how to organize an organization, and how to connect with people from the ground up through mentorship and communication,” he comments.
“These are some of the things in the civilian world that aren’t second
nature, but are highly valued.”
Check out the latest career opportunities at Belcan by logging on to belcan.com/employment. Stay current with the company’s activities by following it on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
