From intern to chief: Stacy Coutry builds security career at PEO Enterprise

May is Operations Security (OPSEC) Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to highlight PEO Enterprise’s chief of security, Stacy Coutry.  

As the Security and Planning Division’s top leader, Stacy Coutry is responsible for developing, implementing and executing 10 security and protection disciplines to ensure PEO Enterprise personnel, information and facilities are protected from all threat environments. 

Coutry graduated from Radford University with a degree in criminal justice and started her Army career as an intern in security at the Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Enterprise Systems and Services (ALTESS) product office. After graduating, she moved back to northern Virginia and started working at PEO Enterprise headquarters as a security specialist, working her way up to the chief designation in 2022. 

Coutry recently shared some highlights from her career and personal life for our Teammate Tuesday series. 

What do you enjoy most about working in the security field?  

What I enjoy most about security is that it’s fast-paced — never a dull moment — and requires teamwork and critical thinking. I really enjoy being able to assist our workforce in all areas of security and to reinforce security best practices for a safe and secure work environment. Security is a team effort!  

What is one of the most important OPSEC tips you can share?  

Be familiar with your organization’s Critical Information List to ensure the most critical assets are protected from adversaries. Also, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to your security office.  

What do you enjoy most about working for PEO Enterprise?  

The people. I have worked for PEO Enterprise for 17 years, and at every team and organization I have supported, the people have been great and make coming to work enjoyable. Shout out to my amazing hardworking team!  

Where did you grow up, and what connection do you still have with that place?  

I grew up in Herndon, Virginia and am now living in Falls Church. My family still lives in the area, so we enjoy seeing each other on the weekends.  

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?  

I enjoy spending time with my husband, three kids and Goldendoodle. I also like going on bike rides and listening to live music.