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 Travis Dawson, senior director, enterprise IT solutions, Air & Space Forces at GDIT, and finalist in the Space Executive of the Year, Public Company, category. Here, he talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024?
In 2024, I had the privilege of leading a team of high-octane professionals in the development of Project Enigma for U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command. Enigma is a multi-enclave, cloud-hosted digital ecosystem that provides a Platform-as-a-Service for government, mission partners and academia to collaborate at the Department of Defense’s Impact Level 6.
To accomplish this, we leveraged GDIT’s portfolio of tailorable, cyber-hardened Digital Accelerators consisting of Coral Software Factory, Ember Digital Engineering, Cove Automation for IT Operations, and Everest Zero Trust. The resulting efforts create the ability for Airmen and Guardians to connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime in a shared classified environment.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Disciplined execution will remain my primary focus because national security missions warrant nothing less. We will also bring more to the Space domain mission by delivering new digital modernization solutions in AI, Hybrid Multi-Cloud and Post-Quantum Cryptography. Lastly, I will continue to elevate my teammates to be the best version of themselves, because a happy team is a productive team.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Never stop learning – cultivate a growth mindset.
Diversify yourself. Understand the technical and business aspects of your profession.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable – embrace the red.
Listen more, talk less. Pay attention to the details.
Take care of those who take care of you. Praise, Recognize and Reward often.