Meet Raynor

Raynor Dahlquist is a senior cyber executive leading our Computer Network Operations business supporting the defense and intelligence communities. She leads teams across our defense and agency markets delivering a full spectrum of cyber solutions against advanced adversaries.

Raynor has more than 20 years of experience focused on technical delivery of solutions and programs. She re-joined Booz Allen in 2021 after leading public sector capture management at the cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks.

Previously at Booz Allen, Raynor was a cyber and technology leader in our defense and strategic innovation groups. She developed and integrated cyber capabilities across markets, led cyber investments, and directed hiring and training of the firm’s cyber talent. Raynor started her career here directing the Booz Allen Cyber Solutions Network capability, which was established to support client-facing delivery of solutions in network infrastructure, development of solutions and tools, and demonstrating capabilities for clients.

Earlier in her career, Raynor directed teams focused on infrastructure protection, product development, and domestic and international market expansion with roles at VeriSign, Inc., Intuit, and Transamerica Financial Services.

Raynor serves on the board of associates at Randolph-Macon College and Mobile Hope of Loudoun County, Virginia. She is a founding member of Chief in Washington, DC, a national network dedicated to helping women leaders strengthen their leadership journey. She and her family help food-insecure families as volunteers in Loudoun County’s Grace to Go program.

 She holds a B.A. from Randolph-Macon College and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.

What excites you about working in cyber? Cybersecurity is at the core of strengthening the resilience of the nation and its allies against advancing adversaries. Cyber attacks have scaled in complexity, reach, and velocity—and working in a field that provides mission-critical solutions against these threats is a humbling and exciting opportunity. 

Why is Booz Allen an ideal firm for someone with expertise and skills in your line of work? Cyber is a fast-paced and ever-changing field. I love that Booz Allen takes an interdisciplinary approach to meeting these ever-changing needs. Our collective ingenuity and tradecraft, built on years of full-spectrum cyber mission delivery, is our secret sauce. In addition, it’s rare to find a firm with so many truly talented cyber employees like Booz Allen has—and to have such a large amount of them be women. As a woman working in cyber, I feel empowered to lead our innovative teams alongside our diverse talent. 

Why do you have the career you have? Early on, I was interested in technology and how you can create products and solutions to meet client needs. I have always gotten involved with projects that either are new and need to be launched or that need some innovation or integration. I’ve relished my role as a technology integrator. 

What are the three most pressing needs for your defense clients? Our defense clients are focused on evolving their networks to implement zero trust architectures with increased security enabling technologies and on enabling coordinated approaches for systems design, data handling, and cloud management which create a more resilient set of platforms and infrastructures with more automated defense capabilities. They’re also focused on a full spectrum set of custom and diverse cyber capabilities for traditional and non-traditional platforms that are effective against advanced adversaries.

What are your three tips for managing and motivating your people? First, create a shared vision for success and a sense of community in which your teams feel empowered. Secondly, seek to serve, not to be self-serving. And thirdly, take time for yourself. Leaders can’t give what they don’t have—when your jar is empty, refill it because your health and your family are more important than anything else. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never confuse having a career with having a life. And be sure to let people help you even if they don’t do it just like you would.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far? Becoming a mom. My son is a complete and total blessing. Also, learning enough about baseball to cheer for him intelligently at his baseball games! 

What can we do to be happier? This may sound corny but give grace to yourself and to others. Most of us are working our hardest. We all need to just take a deep breath and give ourselves and each other the benefit of the doubt. Cut yourself some slack, too. We all make mistakes.