April 2023
Holly Stofa 1993
DEGREES:
B.S. Geography, Concentration in Cartography, Mathematics Minor
Henson School of Science
CURRENT EMPLOYER
CIA, Retired December 2022
CURRENT OCCUPATION
Senior Operations Officer & Leadership Coach
DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER PATH
Coming out of SU, I utilized my geography degree by going to work as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist at NASA-Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. After a couple of years, I moved to the Washington, DC, area and bounced around from a mapping company to the Virginia Department of Transportation (also doing GIS), to graduate school at George Mason University. I received an M.S. in geographic and cartographic sciences, which led me to work at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), initially as a cartographer. Not long into my CIA career, I transitioned to the Directorate of Operations and ultimately served over 20 years as a senior operations officer. I worked on and led teams tackling intelligence issues ranging from counterintelligence to counterterrorism to strategic adversarial threats. I had the opportunity to become a certified coach in multiple disciplines and served as a leadership coach within CIA for mid-career and senior officers. Having grown up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I could never have imagined the life I would have serving my country with the premier intelligence agency in the world. It's my hope that more small-town kids (and Salisbury graduates!) will consider national security careers and, more generally, believe in their ability to do whatever they dream. I've enjoyed a brief pause in full-time work as I decompress from my first career. I founded a mindset coaching business during the pandemic, which I'll use as a springboard for new ideas and continue to help others. I'm also working as a national security and counterintelligence consultant and joined the Advisory Board for the M.S. in Management Studies (MiM) Program at the University of Maryland College Park's Smith School of Business. Please feel free to connect on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter (@coachstofa).
MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED WHILE ATTENDING SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
There are two: First, while it sounds cliché', is to believe in myself – to know that I have what it takes to achieve whatever I set my mind to. The second may seem less substantive, but it continues to pay dividends for others. I learned my way around a weight room, thanks to my coach, Dawn Chamberlin. I now introduce female student-athletes to the weight room in an area high school and schedule "girls-only" hours. It allows them to feel comfortable, while gaining the confidence that comes from lifting weights and gaining physical strength.
WHAT CAMPUS ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH?
I played field hockey under long-serving Coach Dawn, who is still at the helm! My field hockey experience at SU, on top of my hometown championship culture in Pocomoke City, MD, led me to coach high school field hockey at several schools as I moved different places. I returned to high school field hockey coaching a few years ago and continue to do so now. I love the power of sports to teach life and leadership lessons to young people. I took dance classes and enjoyed having some SU football players in our class. Their willingness to be vulnerable and grow were lessons I've never forgotten. I still use the neck rolls and stretches that our SU dance teacher taught us with my student-athletes today!
BEST COLLEGE MEMORY
Making it to the 1992 NCAA Division III Final Four in Field Hockey!
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY?
It was the "hometown" school for me and the one I was able to make work financially. At the time, I had no idea of the tremendous value and experiences I would receive by attending SU. I was afforded an excellent education and a top-notch collegiate athletics experience.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
Foundational: SU planted the seed for a lifetime of learning and encouraged intellectual curiosity and a growth-mindset. Family: It was a safe place to grow and make mistakes. I learned to take risks, which ultimately proved critical in my career. Fun: Making friends and learning about myself. It was a special time in life.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT AND WHY?
Santorini, Greece. It looks exactly like all the postcards and photos. The beautiful blue skies and water against the white architecture are simply breathtaking. Technically, I was traveling for work between two other countries and needed to stay somewhere for the weekend. I look forward to going back.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Navigating a nontraditional career while building a family. My husband and I have each had challenging careers, demanding flexibility and sacrifice. I'm so grateful to have served 24 years in the CIA, while married to a Secret Service agent, with three amazing kids. Side note: I ultimately met my husband through SU friends who also married. One of my field hockey teammates and I married brothers. So, to current students, be open to your extended SU family!
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I was a hip-hop dancer when I moved to Washington, DC. It was one of my favorite times in life because it was the most diverse group of incredible people I had ever worked with up to that point. Also, I wrote a book called Pineapple Promise: A Thailand Adoption Memoir that was released in March 2023.
HOBBIES/OTHER INTERESTS
DIY projects - When I can find the time or feel inspired by a piece of furniture on the side of the road. The creativity and instant gratification of finishing a short-term project always have been a nice departure from longer term projects that require more focus, patience and time. Travel - My career fostered a love of travel both domestically and abroad. Those opportunities were new to me.