The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards were announced March 17, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person May 10.
Next is “Givers of GovCon” podcast finalist Brian McHugh, senior vice president for external affairs and chief of staff to the president and CEO at ManTech. Here, he shares stories of what made him successful, key achievements and proud career moments.
What has made you successful in your current role?
Prior to coming to ManTech in 2013, I served in the Intelligence Community, spending 28 years with the CIA and NSA. My time there included managing complex multi-agency programs focused on combating international terrorism – including weapons proliferation and cyber threats. I witnessed first-hand the volume of threats to U.S. national security and the tireless work of those dedicated to protecting our citizens, at home and abroad.
That background has proven invaluable to my time at ManTech, where the day-to-day work is different but the mission – supporting national security – remains the same.
The common denominator whether serving in the public or private space is that the work we do matters and can save lives. No matter what else may be going on, I’m always motivated to come to work every day and give 100% because there are friends, colleagues and customers who depend on our support to help safeguard national security.
What key achievements did you have in 2022/2023?
When I took on the role of Chief of Staff, one of the first things my CEO did was to initiate a Strategic Planning effort. This year marks the culmination of our second three-year strategic plan which began in 2017 – we are now preparing our third StratPlan.
These plans set a strategic pathway to how ManTech would grow its capabilities, people, and innovation so that we could better invest resources where they matter most – and in doing so better serve of federal customers. Our investments in cybersecurity, data analytics, intelligent systems engineering, and mission and enterprise IT have been game changers in our growth as a company. Having helped to lead the previous two strategic plans and now a third has been a rewarding part of my journey with ManTech.
In addition, I was extraordinarily proud to have overseen ManTech’s Charitable Given program, which raised $2 million in donations for charities nationwide.
What are you most proud of having been a part of at ManTech?
I’ve been honored to lead ManTech’s Community Services Committee and charitable giving program. Giving back to our communities is part of ManTech’s DNA since our founding 55 years ago. ManTech has contributed to hundreds of non-profit organizations aligning the needs of employees and customers to support a range of causes and giving programs including the environment, healthcare, military, education, disabled/special needs and food banks. ManTech has also established competitive prizes recognizing employees who embody the spirit of service through their volunteerism.
Perhaps most importantly is that the pandemic inspired our employees to ask how ManTech might offer additional assistance to help first responders – healthcare workers on the front lines. The result was a charitable giving campaign that raised $2 million in donations to organizations such as Feeding America, the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Inova Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Hospital.
There’s no greater calling in life than to be compassionate and to help others in their time of need. It’s been amazing to see how our employees’ focus on the national security mission also extends to their desire to serve in their local communities.