Booz Allen Hamilton is tapping into Hampton Roads’ workforce as part of a company expansion.
The consulting firm, which has headquarters outside Washington, recently established a business services delivery hub team in Norfolk. The team joined the company’s existing office as part of a multiyear, multilocation strategy and provides back-end support, including customer service and human resources operations, for the company’s more than 32,000 employees worldwide.
“We’re excited about expanding in Norfolk and the Hampton Roads area, as they have a great pipeline for their talent, collaborative business environment as well as mission-minded community that aligns with our business purpose and values,” said Justine Gayle, vice president of the business services team.
The company has had a presence in the area for nearly 30 years, and has more than 1,000 employees throughout Hampton Roads, Gayle said. Operations for the hub started in April and the company officially celebrated its launch on Tuesday.
Two senior company leaders relocated to Norfolk and 60 local positions already have been filled. The number of positions for the hub team are expected to double within a year and continue to expand over the next five, she said.
The company chose to expand in Norfolk because of its long-term success in the area and proximity to the military community, Gayle said.
The company’s Norfolk expansion brings a number of positives to the region, said Doug Smith, CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance, which aims to attract companies to the area and retain them.
In addition to adding jobs, Booz Allen Hamilton, a federal contractor, is intentional with hiring veterans, he said. Hampton Roads and its various military bases offer a pipeline of transitioning workers and military spouses.
“Yes, we have a strong workforce that they’ve been able to tap into even in a tight labor market,” Smith said. “Yes, we have low operating costs. And yes, we have a fantastic place to live and work and raise a family.”
The company’s decision to expand in Norfolk could attract other businesses to take a look at the region.
“It really sends a positive message out to the business community that again, we know not just how to retain our business force, but be able to help them expand as well,” said Sean Washington, interim director of the Norfolk’s Department of Economic Development.
Gabby Jimenez, gabrielle.jimenez@virginiamedia.com
