Redhorse and DoD Skillbridge Fellow: Peter Schmidt

In June, Redhorse became an official Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge industry partner, amidst a challenging COVID-19 environment, where much of the work force was and remains working from home. Regardless of pandemic challenges, Army Colonel Peter Schmidt became Redhorse’s first SkillBridge fellow. Peter was introduced to Redhorse as a participant in FourBlock, a national nonprofit organization that gives transitioning veterans professional development and networking opportunities with top companies across the United States. “Redhorse was one of the smaller companies, with a broad age range, a start-up feel, had multiple spheres of operation for a company its size, and is continuously successful in those spheres of work,” Peter said of the event in March, where he learned about the company and met several members of the Redhorse team. It was at this point that he knew he wanted to have the opportunity to learn more about Redhorse’s work, given the size and cultural feel of our company. “Where else would you walk in on your first day and be greeted and welcomed to the company by the President and the Founder themselves?” Socially distanced, of course.

Peter’s career spanned 25 years of senior leadership of information technology and risk management organizations, business resilience, and continuity of operations. His cybersecurity expertise and deep understanding of Department of Defense cybersecurity policies and requirements is an impressive cornerstone of experience. While Peter’s current role as the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Director of International Programs and Strategic Partnerships is well served his charismatic personality and people skills, he was eager to use his technical expertise during his time with Redhorse.

At Redhorse, Peter had the opportunity to learn about our work through several opportunities. He worked with our services team — gaining insights on the scope of our contract support to government agencies in the National Capitol Region. He provided valuable feedback on current proposal work, helping Redhorse sharpen and improve our capture opportunities. He was briefed on several machine learning projects underway with our solutions team. Additionally, Peter had the opportunity to learn about our strategic vision from our Vice President of National Security, Vincent Bridgeman. Finally, Peter rounded out his experience with Redhorse by meeting with Redhorse employees to discuss current objectives, workflows, and opportunities associated with the DoD Joint Artificial Intelligence Center and Maven projects.

Peter Schmidt is a first class, genuine, and humble professional.  He brought considerable technical acumen, valuable insight, and a healthy dose of patience to the SkillBridge fellowship, in light of pandemic restrictions. Peter is retiring the first of October and hopes to follow his passion for information technology.

Peter, thank you for choosing Redhorse for your SkillBridge experience.  Best of luck to you and your family as you begin the next chapter and thank you for your dedicated service to our great nation.

Redhorse is proud to be an industry partner with DoD SkillBridge and FourBlock and are thankful to have the opportunity to work with impressive transitioning veterans, like Peter.