
The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards were announced April 8, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person June 4.
Next is Brandy Durham, vice president of ManTech’s data and AI practice, and a finalist in the Artificial Intelligence Executive of the Year category. In this spotlight, she reflects on key achievements, offers advice for those following a similar path, shares her current priorities and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024/2025?
Since launching ManTech’s Data and AI Practice in 2024, we have built a powerful team of experts renowned not only for their expertise in this rapidly evolving field, but just as importantly, for their experience in helping government clients embrace and launch AI in ways that address mission needs – and speed their success and performance.
AI is never a “one size fits all” solution, it must be tailored to the mission. ManTech has demonstrated this flexible approach for a wide spectrum of clients. Examples include AI-informed analytics that help the Department of Homeland Security secure our borders, and cutting-edge agentic AI that assists in enriching and summarizing personal health data to support high quality care for military personnel. We also support the Intelligence Community with advanced analytics that help with logistics.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Our key focus area is helping clients successfully adopt AI solutions that solve the challenges they face.
At ManTech we prioritize speed-to-delivery and tailor our solutions, incorporating AI Development and Architecture design, to meet each client’s unique needs. We simplify AI adoption, enabling clients to quickly harness AI capabilities and achieve rapid results. Our comprehensive approach includes designing data and AI solutions that meet clients where they are, building and integrating solutions for deployment, and sustaining those solutions while integrating them fully with broader operations for maximum mission impact.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
I have two recommendations – the first is for students about to enter the workforce, and that is to familiarize yourself not only with the next generation of technology, but also with legacy systems – so you can help drive digital transformation.
The second, regardless of where you are in your career journey, is to deepen your logical problem solving skills. Listen and learn so you understand any tech challenges that come your way, and how to fix each piece of the puzzle.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
I have a third-degree black belt in Chung Do Kwon Tae Kwon Do.