We Hire Heroes: An Interview with Elaine Thrasher

10 November 2020
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Elaine Thrasher

Aegis SPY-1D(V) Fire Controlman

United States Navy


As the third installment in Heroes Work Here, I’d like to highlight Elaine Thrasher, Manager of our Program Management Office at Abaco Systems, Inc. who served in the United States Navy. Thank you for your service, Elaine.

Alisa: Can you tell us about your career in the military?

Elaine: I served in the United States Navy for just shy of 8 years. While serving I was an Aegis SPY-1D(V) Fire Controlman, and had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the commissioning crew for two Destroyers.

Alisa: Why did you come to work for Abaco?

Elaine: I joined Abaco because of the opportunity to take on creating and leading a new Program Management Office. The PMO is really a central point for program execution and reporting. Being at the forefront of creating the Program Management Office at Abaco Systems was a huge opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Alisa: Would you recommend Abaco to other veterans and why?

Elaine: Veteran’s bring a unique perspective and experience - many employers hire veterans, but joining an organization that knows the value of a veteran is big win.

Alisa: What is the most innovative or challenging thing you’ve done since you’ve been here?

Elaine: Since joining Abaco Systems in September of last year I’ve had the opportunity to lead the creation of the new Technology Office Dashboard. This was a critical step in the right direction for creating a culture of ownership, vision, and innovation. I’m looking forward to tackling projects in the future and continuing to be on the forefront of innovation.

Alisa: How have the leadership principles you learned while serving benefitted you at Abaco?

Elaine: The leadership principles I learned while in the Navy have been key to my success at Abaco Systems because I’m able to lead and own a project’s success or failure, thus being an example of the best practices that we try to preach here at Abaco, as well as, ensuring that projects are seen through to completion no matter the obstacle.

Alisa: What one thing did you learn while you were in service that you carry with you through life?

Elaine: Ownership is key. One must own their success or failure. Ownership means looking at every situation, determining what is needed to succeed and completing those items. Ownership means you get the job done, even when it is difficult.

Alisa Coffey

Alisa is Head of Marketing at Abaco, having joined us at the beginning of 2020 from Siemens, where she was responsible for aerospace, defense and federal marketing.  She graduated magna cum laude from Louisiana State University and Mechanical College.