Photo caption: Horacio Rozanski received the UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association’s Lifetime Excellence Award in May 2023.
Horacio Rozanski has had a chance to work around the world and explore multiple disciplines, from consulting to “data geek” to human resources to senior executive.
Rozanski urges people to simply be themselves in their workplaces and in life.
“Being yourself is a process,” Rozanski says. “Like graduating college, it is hard work. It took me decades to figure out who I am, and I’m not done yet. Then comes being comfortable showing who you are to others. And ultimately, allowing yourself to both be you and part of something bigger than just you — a family, a community, a nation. “
Rozanski grew up in Argentina and came to the U.S. to attend UW-Eau Claire based on the university’s strong academic rating. His then-girlfriend, Cinthia, joined him at the university a year later. He graduated summa cum laude from UW-Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
“We made a completely uninformed choice,” Rozanski says of the decision he and Cinthia made to attend UW-Eau Claire, “but it turned out to be fantastic. People were so incredibly welcoming.”
Rozanski attended the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business (now renamed the Booth School) for two years to receive his MBA in 1992. In summer 1991, he earned an internship at Booz Allen Hamilton, a management and government consulting firm. Cinthia and Horacio married in 1992, and a few weeks later he rejoined Booz Allen, now full time in Cleveland.
Booz Allen has been Rozanski’s professional home for the past 31 years and counting. In 2015, he became Booz Allen’s eighth CEO in the firm’s 109-year history. During his tenure as CEO, Booz Allen has been recognized as an industry leader and innovator, including in areas like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. He also serves on the board of directors of Marriott International.
From his experiences at UW-Eau Claire, Booz Allen and other places, Rozanski has developed a passion for paying it forward. He chairs the board of Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., and serves on the boards of CARE USA and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Committee of Conscience. Together with Cinthia, they support several philanthropic causes, from UW-Eau Claire students to medical residents, always looking to help people from diverse backgrounds reach their full potential.
“You began a process of self-discovery at UWEC that will hopefully lead to self-actualization, joy and happiness,” Rozanski says to graduates. “Keep going and don’t slow down. My wish for you is that years from now, you will look in the mirror and like who you see. That’s the biggest success of all.”
Rozanski was the recipient of the UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association’s Lifetime Excellence Award in May 2023, presented to alumni who have demonstrated longtime and successful commitment to their careers and communities.
