Misty W. Odom leads an honorable and exciting career marked by her dedication to service, leadership, and perpetual personal and professional growth. Since 2022, she has provided contractor support (ANALYGENCE) as a senior program analyst at U.S. Cyber Command, part of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Ms. Odom’s vital role involves planning and programming for national defense initiatives. Her work ensures that the agency and the president’s objectives are met through effective resource allocation.
Ms. Odom’s journey began at age 17 when she joined the U.S. Navy upon graduating from high school. A pivotal moment came when she met a military recruiter who helped her realize opportunities the Navy could provide. Joining the Navy exposed her to a new world and a pathway to pursue her dreams. During her successful 24-year military career, she became an officer and earned a bachelor’s degree and two of her four master’s degrees.
Ms. Odom’s educational background is extensive and impressive. She holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Strayer University and a Master of Business Administration from the Jack Welch Management Institute. Moreover, she earned another master’s degree in military operational arts and science from the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College and a master’s degree in leadership education and development from the University of Maryland, College Park. Ms. Odom completed her undergraduate education with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Hampton University. Alongside her degrees, she completed an executive education program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focusing on leading non-violent movements for social change, leadership for the 21st century, and leadership, organizing, and action, in which she earned an executive certificate in public leadership. Additional studies include DoD financial management courses from Graduate School USA and the Contracting Officer’s Representative Course from Defense Acquisition University.
During her career, Ms. Odom worked in acquisitions support at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, in emergency management for the U.S. Navy, as a defense resource manager for the Joint Staff, and as project team lead at TM3 Solutions Inc. She also served as associate director for the Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy, deputy director/assistant officer-in-charge at Coastal Riverine Group TWO Detachment Bahrain, operations officer at Coastal Riverine TWO, and as a combat systems officer on the USS Nicholas (FFG-47). Furthermore, Ms. Odom was a company officer and brigade sexual assault prevention and response liaison at the U.S. Naval Academy and was the assistant chief engineer on the USS Roosevelt (DDG-80) and a yeoman on the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70).
Ms. Odom was recognized by ANALYGENCE in 2023 and 2024 for her stellar career contributions while continuously displaying the company’s core values. She credits her success to her faith and the support she has always received, particularly from people God placed along her path. In addition to her professional career, Ms. Odom has been deeply involved in her community. She has been a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America since 2016 and donates to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and The Salvation Army. Ms. Odom advises others to seek guidance through prayer, follow one’s heart, ask for divine direction, and surround oneself with wise, knowledgeable individuals who can provide valuable insights and genuine support.
Looking ahead, Ms. Odom aims to continue advancing in her profession. During the next five years, she plans to leverage her varied expertise to establish a mentorship program for youth from underprivileged backgrounds. She will expose them to various opportunities through a scholarship initiative while encouraging them to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams.