An Interview with Walter Foggie, Facility Design and Space Planner

This week’s interview is with Walter Foggie.  Walter is the facility design and space planner here in the Law Library of Congress.

Describe your background.

Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, I have lived in Maryland since 2010. I served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force as a civil engineer operations manager where my service commitment allowed me to travel and live in exotic places such as Guam, Alaska, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, England and Italy. Of all the places I have lived, Japan has to be my favorite due to the culture and adventurous spirit of the Japanese people…and yes, I did climb Mount Fuji!

I am an avid sports fan and enjoy football, baseball, and weightlifting. My pride and joy in life now are my wonderful wife and my 18-month-old daughter Myla (for “my love”).

What is your academic/professional history?

I received my undergraduate degree in management from the University of Maryland, my Master’s degree in business organization management from LaVerne (California) University, and my Doctorate of Management (organizational leadership) from the University of Phoenix. Because of my passion for education and sharing my experiences with others, I also enjoy teaching as an online and on-site MBA adjunct professor with the University of the Potomac here in Washington D.C.

How would you describe your job to other people?

As the facility design and space planner for the Law Library of the Library of Congress, I am responsible for all issues related to the current and future facility designs of the Law Library and the allocation and efficient use of all office and collection space assigned. I also enjoy being associated and working with people who are on the tip of the congressional legal spear when dealing with national and global legal research.

Why did you want to work in the Library of Congress?

I wanted to work here for the opportunity to expand my knowledge of another branch of the federal government and for a simple change of pace. I previously worked in the Department of Defense which is staffed and governed primarily by the military.

What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?

To state the obvious, we have so many books and resources that support the enormous responsibility of providing global legal research for congressional staff.

What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?

I really enjoy cooking and entertaining family and friends.