The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Pinnacle Awards were announced Oct. 13, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place virtually Dec. 8.
Next is Contracts Industry Executive of the Year finalist Patricia Bahr, who’s vice president of contracts and procurement at Hexagon US Federal. Here, she talks key achievements, professional risks, proud career moments and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2020/2021?
Oh yes, the year(s) of the pandemic! In some respects, to say I survived should be given due consideration, but it’s not enough to survive adversity or challenges, you need to learn, grow, develop and pivot when required.
This is demonstrated by the fact there was no way I would let the pandemic be an excuse for NOT performing to the business goals set. Not only were all the goals established for 2020 and 2021 achieved, but they were exceeded, and as a result, the company was able to grow our business.
My team quickly learned that nothing was off the table — employees worked from home; some in the office to support the work that could not be done at home. We found new ways to communicate so we didn’t lose the connections as a team; we found and qualified new sources for personal protective equipment; we never lost sight of our core values supporting our employees; and maintained my personal philosophy, adapted from an Army colleague — “Mission First, People Always.” Despite all the COVID-19 virus threw at us, we did not miss a deadline, a deliverable or drop any glass balls along the way.
What has made you successful in your current role?
Embracing the philosophy that learning is a lifelong endeavor and, to stay on top of contracting, especially in the federal government space, it’s critical to participate and embrace continuing education. For example, daily reading of changes announced in the Federal Register, coupled with embracing the educational opportunities provided by the National Contract Management Association, and many other well-qualified training providers in this space. The one certainty within government contracting is there will be change.
What are you most proud of having been a part of in your current organization?
The Sapphire Circle Award that I received from the company stands out in my mind because this was presented to the top one percent of employees and represented a peer nominated award for top performance.
Also, must plug one of my favorite charities and mention the award we received a few years back from the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program for our contributions to their program. When you spearhead a toy drive during the holidays and then hear the words, “because of your efforts, no child who asked for a bicycle this year will go without a bike,” it is the best holiday gift someone could ever receive!
What are your primary focuses going forward, and why are those so important to the future of the nation?
The key focus for the end of 2021 and into 2022 is clearly the supply chain issues. Not just addressing the immediate shortages companies and the government are facing but looking long term and preparing for what’s next. After all, we don’t know what we don’t know, and it’s important to be ready for the next challenge whether that’s a pandemic, an oil shortage, weather phenomena or something else.
It takes more than a semiconductor that is impacted to build a computer or an automobile, but if you don’t have that one key part then you will not be able to deliver. Getting out in front of areas in the supply chain and understanding the chain from top to bottom is key for business and contract success.
How do you help shape the next generation of government leaders/industry leaders?
Mentor and guide employees, associates and other NCMA members. Not just with advice or lessons learned, but by sharing the desire and excitement that comes with learning and understanding the nuances or impacts of a contract. Having a passion for what you do helps tremendously.
While many people can think of contract management as less-than exciting, after all it may not have the thrill of skydiving or zip-lining, it’s the fact that it changes constantly that keeps it fresh and exciting. What a great way to present that to the next generation!
What’s the biggest professional risk you’ve ever taken?
This is going to sound a little crazy, but not leaving my position with Hexagon. There have been many offers and opportunities presented to me over the years, and the company had a few years where change was abundant, however, refusing to leave for a position that might have been financially beneficial but stale in terms of future growth, would not have afforded me the same opportunities to learn and expand my career.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
Achieving my Certified Professional Contracts Manager certification through NCMA. Not only did taking the certification exam formally document my career progress, the study group that I participated in with my local NCMA chapter made long-lasting professional connections and friendships that have helped me throughout my career.