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Kevin Buck, an economic and business analyst at MITRE, enjoys participating in ballroom dancing competitions.

Kevin Buck enthusiastically channels his expertise and ideas into developing ways for MITRE's government sponsors to more effectively manage their information technology investments.

Buck is a lead economic and business analyst in MITRE's Center for Acquisition and Systems Analysis (CASA), a technical center devoted to providing multidisciplinary acquisition and investment decision analyses for our government sponsors. He also telecommutes from Ohio, working with MITRE colleagues around the country.

"Typically my work involves developing and communicating methods for conducting economic analyses for large-scale investment decisions," says Buck. "I start by looking at the commercial industry for ideas and strategies. Then I conduct a case study to make sure the idea that I am proposing is viable and usable for my customers. In many instances, the government agency I am working with is aware of the techniques being used in the commercial industry and has tried to implement similar methods. It's my responsibility to synthesize previous efforts, add new strategies, and create one viable solution."

What types of expertise are needed to work on CASA projects? According to Buck, a solid foundation in economics and experience in strategic planning is critical, as well as a strong background in math and decision analysis. Good communication and people skills are also essential.

Prior to joining MITRE, Buck worked at Texaco and Chevron developing strategic plans for large fleets of commercial ships. While that commercial work provided valuable experience, he finds his work at MITRE much more satisfying. As he explains, "All too often in my commercial industry experience an analyst implements others' ideas and is not given very much latitude to test and apply new or alternative solutions for customers. That's not the case here—MITRE and our government sponsors expect employees to take ownership of their work and look beyond the immediate requirements."

"I think what I enjoy most about my work is the high quality and commitment of the people I work with," continues Buck. "It is one of the things that drew me to MITRE five years ago. I am part of a group of extremely bright people committed to doing a good job. In addition, MITRE's research program provides many opportunities to be creative and explore new solutions. I never imagined back in 1998—when I nervously proposed my first research idea to the Engineering Council—that I would eventually complete over 10 research proposals and successfully receive funding for six of them. I've been very fortunate to have continuous encouragement and mentoring from Dr. Paul Garvey, the Chief Scientist of my division."

And the other benefits of working at MITRE? Buck, an employee since 1997, has been a teleworker from Dayton, Ohio, for over two years. He collaborates with customers and MITRE staff across the country. "I needed to make some important changes to achieve more balance and a longer-term life perspective," he says. "Becoming a teleworker allowed me to be closer to family. In addition, I took up competitive ballroom dancing, an active sport in the Midwest, and now practice two hours every night and compete monthly. All in all, I'm more fulfilled, healthier, and happier with my work."