The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 20, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 21.
Next is Tanja Guerra, chief human resources officer at Alpha Omega, and finalist in the HR Executive of the Year, Private Company, category. Here, she talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024?
A pivotal growth driver has been an expansion of the executive team to support growth and maintain excellence in operations, culture, fit, and customer delivery. The impact is demonstrated by a steady drop in retention numbers, an over 80% workforce security clearance status, and employee survey-driven awards like The Washington Post Top Workplaces (winning 3 years in a row) and this year’s USA Today Top Workplace award.
In addition to employee engagement and recognition programs, Tanja has championed internal promotions, particularly for women in leadership roles, as part of her broader diversity and inclusion efforts. Looking to the future workforce as well, Tanja has led the establishment of relationships with technical schools and academic program alliances building bridges and introducing government contracting to a new generation and community of market-ready talent.
Our Talent Edge model is a holistic way of being proactive, building talent pipelines, examining deployment, readiness, and growth opportunities.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Our focus is on attracting and retaining top talent by ensuring that we stay true to our culture and core values. Rapid change can be difficult, but focusing on our core values will serve as an anchor to our mission.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Have the courage to get out of your comfort zone, that is where the growth happens.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
When I grow up, I want to live by the beach and take pictures of places and people.