Tackling complex business challenges on a daily basis takes ingenuity, a willingness to think outside of the box, and not only listen but ask questions. These are qualities than Anne Altman has exemplified throughout her distinguished career.
Altman was well known for her work at IBM, most recently serving as general manager of IBM Federal and Government Industries where she addressed a vast range of government clients’ challenges and delivering strategy and subsequent solutions. After more than three decades in the public sector, Altman decided it was time to begin a new chapter in her life.
This new chapter has been the creation of Everyone Matters, a group dedicated to helping organizations create value to positively impact society.
“I have come to the realization that the challenges facing society require not only experience and technology, but an ability to convene and collaborate and a commitment to cross traditional boundaries to create value,” said Altman.
“The opportunity to bring my experiences, relationships and partnerships, creativity and passion to making a difference for generations to come is the reason for my work,” she explained, “I am fond of saying – and we do this because Everyone Matters!”
While very passionate about her new venture, Altman still reminisces over her time with IBM.
“I miss the breadth of capabilities IBM has to serve the public sector, and I miss the team of extraordinary professionals in IBM, she noted, “I miss the government clients and my colleagues in industry who do the business of the people.”
Over the course of her career, Altman received the prestigious Eagle Award, one of the highest honors issued to technology partners serving the federal market. She also was included in Federal Computer Week’s Top Federal 100, Washingtonian’s Most Powerful Women in Washington 2015, Washingtonian Magazine Top Tech Titans, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) Council’s Azimuth Award for the Industry Executive of the Year, and the 2013 Institute for Excellence in Sales & Business Development (IES&BD) Lifetime Achievement Award, just to name a few.
These days, in addition to Everyone Matters, Ventures; Altman works as an advisor to a number of small businesses, as well as serving on several boards including the board of the School of Business at George Mason University. Altman also serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee for the National Symphony Orchestra.
The cherished moments of free time she has now is often spent with family, friends and her dog, as well as reading. She is also an accomplished equestrian.
One of the most interesting books she has read, and recommends is One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel Garcia Marques.
“This is a novel that was my first introduction to the style of writing called magical realism,” Altman explained, “It intertwines what is real and fiction, expressing comedy, tragedy, and humanity and is brilliant in its use of language”.
So what’s next for Anne Altman?
Besides watching her son’s alma mater the Mountaineers, and of course the Redskins? Travel is definitely on the agenda, in addition to building out a plan for Everyone Matters, Ventures.
“Travel to California and Mexico for pleasure,” she said, “A trip to San Antonio and Mexico focusing on immigration justice and the challenges migrants face coming to the United States, as well as a trip to the Masters in April!”
You can be sure that even as Altman continues to build upon Everyone Matters Ventures, she will continue to keep her focus on leader ship and applying innovation to positively impact society.
“There are new ways to look at citizen based services,” Altman explained, “effective ways to address the critical needs of the day including better approaches to delivering care and the continuum of care which includes addressing mental and behavioral issues; exciting breakthrough in education and the opportunity to address other critical challenges facing our nation such as job creation and immigration”.
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