As president of the federal civilian line of business at Koniag Government Services, Jennifer Roadcap says she prioritizes internal growth, employee support and long-term commitment, an approach she says was deeply influenced by KGS CEO Kevin Wideman.
Roadcap cultivates a strong company culture by developing future leaders from within the organization. She strongly advocates promoting from within, believing this approach ensures future leaders understand the company’s culture and values and fosters employee loyalty.
“I’m a firm believer in growing the leaders of tomorrow from our existing KGS workforce,” she said. This approach creates a win-win situation: Employees see clear paths for advancement, motivating them to excel in their current roles, while KGS retains valuable institutional knowledge and maintains a consistent culture.
At KGS, employee support goes beyond the workplace. Roadcap highlights the importance of recognizing employees as whole individuals with lives outside of work. The company creates an environment that promotes work-life balance and well-being by offering flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits.
“This approach has made a significant difference in employees’ lives,” she said, citing a recent case where KGS adjusted an employee’s work schedule to help them navigate a family health crisis.
Mentoring is essential to KGS’ leadership development strategy. The company pairs experienced executives with promising employees to provide guidance, share knowledge, and help with career paths. Roadcap enjoys mentoring and has seen many of her protégés grow into leadership roles.
“By mentoring our employees, we’re essentially shaping the future of KGS,” she said. “These are the individuals who will be leading our company in 10 years.”
As described by Roadcap, the culture at KGS is built on a foundation of respect, collaboration and commitment to excellence.
“This culture fosters a cohesive environment where employees personally identify with the company’s mission, leading to more effective customer service and the pursuit of new opportunities across various fronts,” she said.
The alignment between employee values and company mission “directly translates to higher customer satisfaction, with clients often commenting on the dedication and expertise of KGS teams,” she said
Maintaining this strong culture during periods of growth has been a priority for Roadcap and her team.
“We ensure that core values and culture are central to onboarding and training processes, relying heavily on long-term employees to model and reinforce the company’s ethos,” she said. “As KGS expands, we remain committed to maintaining the personal connections and supportive environment that have been key to our success.”
Roadcap’s leadership philosophy is encapsulated in the advice she offers to aspiring leaders in the industry: “Show up, work smart, work hard and the rest will take care of itself.”
This wisdom, passed down from her father, emphasizes the importance of dedication and excellence. Roadcap said she encourages leaders to focus on doing great work, investing in their people and continually learning and growing.
Under Roadcap’s leadership, KGS continues to thrive, balancing business success with a strong commitment to its employees and culture. In the competitive world of government services, “nurturing talent from within and creating a supportive work environment can lead to both employee satisfaction and organizational success,” she said.