Jennifer Schmiedel - Director of Security

Jennifer’s journey at Tria, which began a decade ago in HR, recently led to her promotion to Director of Security. From managing employee clearances to conducting risk assessments and leading security training, Jennifer ensures the whole company stays protected. As the mother of a young son, she appreciates Tria’s flexibility, which allows her to balance work and family life.

What’s your favorite part of working at Tria?

Definitely the people. I’ve worked with many of my colleagues for almost a decade and have made some close friends. Even though we’re now in different roles, we talk every day. And I still keep in contact with people who I worked with for years who have since left the company.

Something else I like about working at Tria is the flexibility that we have. I’m thankful to be able to work for a company and a manager that understands that things happen in life – life’s adventures, life’s challenges. I’m able to do what I need to do both at work and outside of work. If my son gets sick, I can take him to the doctor and work around the appointment. It’s not a big deal.

What accomplishment during your time at Tria are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built. I am very much a people person; I started my career in HR because I wanted to feel like I was helping people. I’m able to build relationships with everybody, and it can be anything from helping them with work assignments to learning about people on a personal level. I know it sounds silly to say my coworkers are my family, but I really feel that way because we stay connected and that is important to me.

How do you create a sense of teamwork with coworkers?

One person doesn’t know everything. Something I am very strong in, someone else might not be, and vice versa. If there’s something I can’t figure out, I ask my colleagues. Sharing knowledge and getting to know each other on both a professional and personal level are so important. We’re working together toward the same end goal.

What are a couple of things that people would be surprised to learn about you?

People might be surprised to learn that I was born in Nuremberg, Germany! My mom is German, and my dad was stationed there in the Army. They met because my dad used to go to the deli/bakery where she worked, and he learned German so he could talk to her.

Another fun fact is that I used to do the CureSearch Ultimate Hike, and I’m hoping to start it up again this year. The hikes are fundraisers for pediatric cancer research, and you raise $2,500 to participate. The hikes usually start at 4am and are up to 30 miles long. It’s not a race, but when I was in my best shape, I could get it done in seven hours. My feet were destroyed afterward. I did it for four years – in West Virginia and Indianapolis – and I met some great people who I still keep in touch with.

How do you find purpose in your role?

I feel like I’m making a difference because I’m helping to protect national security. I constantly keep my head on a swivel and make sure that I’m doing what I can to protect the interests of employees, the company, and national security.