The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2023 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 25, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 16.
Next is Juvy McCarthy, group president of Akima’s Technology Solutions and Products Group, and finalist in the DOD Executive of the Year, Private Company category. Here, she shares proud career moments and what has made her successful in her role.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
When I originally started at one of Akima’s subsidiaries over two decades ago, my goal was to establish an IT services firm from the ground up while also laying the groundwork for Akima’s Iñupiat shareholders to eventually manage their own businesses. With the assistance of my team, we have expanded the firm from a few full-time employees to a portfolio of specialized, highly agile companies with the scale to respond quickly to unique customer needs, both large and small.
Multiple Alaskan Native shareholders now have leadership and technical roles in my team’s portfolio of firms, with others set to take such positions. Five of the 10 companies in the portfolio have successfully graduated from the U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a) program and are now federal government service suppliers.
As someone who is passionate about the professional development of my staff, this degree of improvement makes me very proud. Furthermore, I strive to be an advocate and role model for women in my sector, and it gives me great satisfaction to know that women hold higher-than-average percentages of leadership and technical lead roles in my portfolio of companies.
What has made you successful in your current role?
Firstly, I believe that one of the things that has helped me the most in my current capacity is a strong eye for the partnerships and opportunities that propel Akima forward and allow us to carve out specific niches within the federal IT space. As I’ve mentioned, I set out to develop an IT services company from the ground up, and I achieved this goal by first attracting the best and brightest talent in the field. Over time, I’ve made it a mission to foster a distinct family culture within my team that values the entrepreneurial spirit and continuously provides opportunities for professional development.
Secondly, to best position Akima for success, I’ve worked diligently to develop solid partnerships with Akima’s Original Equipment Manufacturers, as well as industry service providers that the Small Business Administration classifies as socially and economically disadvantaged, such as 8(a) small businesses, women-owned small businesses, Native American-owned small businesses, black-owned small businesses, and more.
Moreover, I believe that adhering to Iñupiat ideals in my daily work has enabled me to stay grounded and focused on the organization’s goal of growth and my advocacy for women, minorities, and our shareholders themselves. Honesty and integrity, a strong sense of dedication, and a focus on treating others with dignity and respect have frequently served as compass points that kept me on the path to success.