The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Pinnacle Awards were announced Oct. 11, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 30.
Next is Contracts Industry Executive of the Year (Private Company) finalist Corionna Canada, who’s vice president of contracts and purchasing at Criterion Systems. Here, she talks career inflection points, primary focus areas going forward, proud career moments and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2021/2022?
On Jan. 1, 2021, everything changed at Criterion Systems. We acquired our first company on Dec. 31, 2020 at midnight, bringing onboard 30 new employees. Later in 2021, Criterion did another two M&As, with all of the due diligence that entailed, bringing in a total of 100 new employees in the new Intelligence Solutions business unit.
I played an important leadership role in all of the M&A-related activities. I also led the effort to make required administrative and legal changes, including the recertification of Criterion as a large business and putting in place an estimating system, which was fully audited and approved in two weeks. I created the estimating system manual and did internal training of auditors within days.
Finally, I led other initiatives, including formally submitting the Contracting Purchasing System Review form for the Defense Contract Management Agency and scheduled the official CPSR audit.
Over the past two years, my department went from two full-time employees to five to manage 74 active contracts and four legal entities. I restructured the department, adding resources for subcontracting and redoing our procurement process to adhere to the appropriate CPSR. I hired experienced contract administrators from mid-size to large companies to help Criterion navigate its growth.
What has made you successful in your current role?
I deeply understand government contracting methods, having more than 15 years of experience in the field. I also maintain excellent relationships with government contracting officers, which ensures Criterion can effectively meet changing missions while remaining totally compliant to rules and regulations. The team that works alongside me puts in just as much dedication to achieve a growing compliant company.
What was a turning point or inflection point in your career?
I took a position that gave me experience in OCONUS government contracting. Being in the field provided me with rapid critical thinking skills that allowed me to evolve my cradle-to-grave government contracting experience.
What are you most proud of having been a part of in your current organization?
I am so proud of playing a vital role within the Criterion leadership team, contributing to realizing the vision of solidifying Criterion’s place as a fast-growing, reputable mid-sized cybersecurity and IT services company. Additionally, being able to create and develop the contracts department over the last two-and-a-half years has been incredible.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the future of the nation?
My focus areas are compliance, education within the contracts space and growth. These are all important to any company that grows because one wrong decision could cost millions of dollars. Government contracting is always evolving; however, the regulations are solid unless a significant concern is addressed that makes a revision.
How do you help shape the next generation of government leaders/industry leaders?
At Criterion Systems, Inc., we have a summer internship program and I connect with students from universities who are majoring in business or pre-law. Over the past few years, most of my interns have started a career in contract law or held a position within government/industry contracts department.
What’s one key thing you learned from a failure you had?
Never to assume and always slow down to explain because you never realize the impact of a 15 minute conversation.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
The biggest thing to know about government contracting is it is all about managing risk. The Contracts Department is always looked at as “slowing” down a deal or process. But in my mind, it is about relationships, adventure and having fun.