BTS Behind the Scenes is a chance to showcase the people who are making things happen at BTS and give you a “behind the scenes” look into their worlds. In this month’s feature we’ll talk with Monique Forbis and talk leadership, transitions, and what collaboration is all about.

Throughout your career, you’ve focused on improving efficiency and helping organizations function better behind the scenes. What do you enjoy most about that kind of work?

I truly enjoy the challenge of identifying inefficiencies and developing solutions that help organizations operate more smoothly. It’s fulfilling to see how my efforts can lead to an increase in productivity and positive impact on the organizational environment. I love collaborating with diverse teams, streamlining processes and appreciate the continuous learning that comes with staying up to date with best practices. For me, the most rewarding part is being a part of improving efficiency and employee satisfaction because of our collective efforts.

After so many years in government, what excited you most about joining BTS and making the move into the private sector?

I am excited about the opportunity to join BTS and transition into the private sector. BTS started out as a small business and is on the rise for greater things and I am happy to be a part of the team. After 30 years of federal service, I see this as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, and I am eager to contribute to a collaborative team that values creativity. I believe my experience in government will provide insights that can benefit BTS’ success.

As Chief of Staff, how do you hope to help support the leadership team and position BTS for continued growth?

As Chief of Staff, I hope to support the leadership team at BTS by ensuring key initiatives are implemented effectively as I want to contribute to driving our growth efforts. I am eager to develop stronger relationships that will drive growth and success. Our COO has his hands full and I would like to remove some of the burden from him and become involved in the day-to-day operations. I also want to continue the positive and collaborative culture within the organization; this is a great place to work and that is because of the employees being engaged, which has been essential to their success. 

You’ve worked across everything from budgeting and staffing to facilities and strategic planning. What would you say is the most critical skill needed across all these different disciplines? 

I believe effective communication is the most critical skill needed across all these different disciplines. Whether it’s budget, HR, facilities, or strategic planning, clear communication ensures everyone is aligned and understands their roles and responsibilities. For example, when working with our CFO doing the annual budget, it was essential that I convey our department’s financial goals so there was funding for projects and never anti-deficient. This is the same with staffing and strategic planning; communications help each department work together to achieve the common goal. Throughout my federal career, I have seen how clear communication has led to collaboration and trust which are essential for better processes and outcomes.

You recently picked up golf and tennis and admitted you’re “not good” yet. Which one is more dangerous right now—your golf swing or your tennis game?

I am definitely terrible at both but I am having a ball laughing at myself while I play. My golf swing would be more dangerous. The thought of the club flying in the air makes me nervous when I am on the course. With tennis, I can move around the court and “try” to control my shots a bit more. But who knows, with practice I may surprise myself and be good. Ha!! 

Ok, lightning round!

• Top workday snack: Cheez It 
• Coffee or tea? Neither – Hot Chocolate
• Vacation spot you most want to visit but haven’t: Greece
• Go-to sick day movie: Actually, I watch crime shows. Dateline, 20/20, 48 hours, First 48 etc.

Tags: behind the scenes, Monique Forbis, staff