Pamplin Spotlight: Phil Moore

Phil Moore ‘00, MACIS ‘01

Partner, Kearney & Company

Please discuss the specific Pamplin courses, professors, or extracurricular activities that had a significant impact on you.

I enjoyed the IT courses that incorporated an accounting perspective. These courses helped me secure a co-op position with the Department of Justice, which later led to an internship at Arthur Andersen — first in tax, and then back in information technology. The combination of accounting and IT coursework, along with the extensive experience I gained through my co-op and internship, positioned me well after graduation to accelerate my career and earn promotions more quickly than many of my peers.

Please share a memorable experience from your time at Pamplin that influenced your professional development and/or career path.

During my master’s program, I taught Accounting I and Accounting II. This was my first teaching experience, and it taught me a great deal about patience and how to motivate others. That experience proved invaluable as I entered the workforce, where I needed to collaborate with people at many different levels and with diverse skill sets.

In your current role, how do you demonstrate leadership and drive innovation?

In my role leading IT risk and compliance for federal government clients, I focus on setting a clear direction and empowering my team to deliver with confidence. I work to create a culture that values innovation and continuous improvement, aligning our strategies with client goals and the evolving client landscape. I encourage the team to embrace new technologies that make compliance more efficient and provide meaningful insights. Through a mix of strategic guidance, mentorship, and problem-solving, I help drive stronger outcomes, build lasting client relationships, and support the growth of our practice.

What advice would you offer to current Pamplin students aspiring to enter your field?

While at Pamplin, be open to learning as much technology as possible, even if it is not your primary major. Take advantage of the many opportunities at Virginia Tech to learn how to work with different people. That skill set is invaluable in today’s workforce. One of the most valuable lessons in my career is that strong relationships are the key to lasting success. Skills and hard work open doors, but trust, respect, and collaboration keep them open. Investing in people not only makes you more effective but also makes the work more rewarding.

How do you stay connected with the Pamplin and Virginia Tech community? What does being a Hokie mean to you today?

I stay connected to the Virginia Tech community by serving as an active member on several Pamplin advisory boards. On these boards, I’m able to mentor students as well as help the college shape its programs to better prepare graduates for today’s workforce.