Samantha Viray’s Story
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Samantha Viray, the new Manager of COLSA’s Business Analytics team. Though she recently assumed this role, Sam is no stranger to COLSA. She began her journey as an analyst for the Business Intelligence Cell (BI Cell) and navigated various positions before landing her current role.
An Impressive Military Career Unexpectedly Cut Short
Samantha Viray started her career in the military at 18 years old thinking it would be a quick stepping-stone to other things, based on the experiences of family and friends. Initially hoping to only join for four years, she wanted to use the military as a tool to learn, grow, and figure out what she wanted to pursue later in life.
While at Fort Campbell, Sam received the prestigious Green to Gold Scholarship, which provides eligible Active Duty enlisted Soldiers an opportunity to complete their first baccalaureate degree and earn a commission as an Army Officer. After moving around in the Army quite a bit—including Fort Campbell, Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Johnson, Fort Huachuca, and Afghanistan—she ended up stationed at Redstone Arsenal.
One of Sam’s significant achievements in the army was being nominated for an Aide-de-camp position. This role involves serving as a confidential assistant to a flag officer, and she had the opportunity to shadow her General Officer at Redstone, assisting with various tasks and learning extensively along the way.
Sam’s career path shifted dramatically after a car accident altered her plans. Instead of returning to Fort Huachuca, she chose to stay in Huntsville, continuing her work at Redstone Arsenal in different capacities while receiving treatment.
Shortly thereafter, the onset of COVID-19 caused her orders to be repeatedly delayed. This led her to transfer to Army Materiel Command (AMC)’s Intelligence Team. After about a year in this role, Sam was medically discharged from the Army due to her injuries.
The Importance of a Flexible Work Schedule & a Caring Culture
After a medical discharge, Sam reevaluated her career trajectory. Sam had some exposure to COLSA previously, as her future husband worked at COLSA when they first met.
After attending a company Christmas party with him, she was impressed by COLSA’s family-like atmosphere and camaraderie. She applied for a job and accepted a role as a BI Cell analyst. Unexpectedly, Sam then experienced another car accident that required extensive surgery.
“COLSA was very supportive … they wanted me to be comfortable. They were fine with me working from home, and I always felt supported. I could freely manage my injury and take care of myself. I never felt like I had to choose between taking care of my body and working for them.”
Sam highlights that working for COLSA feels personal, as her colleagues genuinely care about her well-being. COLSA made it clear that she can work on a flexible schedule to better take care of herself.
Earlier this year, Sam married her husband, Anthony. She was completely surprised and delighted when the company threw her a surprise party before she left for her honeymoon. Sam emphasized that COLSA’s culture is unique, valuing employees both professionally and personally.
Sam and Anthony got married in Seattle and spent two weeks in Italy for their honeymoon, starting in Venice and ending in Taormina, Sicily. In Venice, they visited a local family who own a vineyard in Vicenza—who Sam had met during her time in the Army—and enjoyed a wonderful time in the countryside.
Continuing to Grow & Flourish in a New Role: Business Analytics Manager
When Sam reflects on her career, she feels fortunate to have received the exact training needed to transition into her current role. She began at COLSA as a BI Cell Analyst, then moved to the newly formed Strategic Vehicles Team, and now serves as the Manager of the Business Analytics team.
“I had already been on the [BI Cell] team and done that work, and my time on the Strategic Vehicles Team gave me the exposure to other tools and databases in the organization needed to execute and exceed expectations in this position. The Army aide-de-camp role, my ROTC scholarship, with my leadership training and experience from the Army gave me what I needed to be able to do this job.”
Sam also feels fortunate to have been able to take advantage of COLSA’s tuition reimbursement program. Through this program, she earned her MBA in Project Management from Liberty University.
