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 Geoff Howard, vice president for health at ManTech, and finalist in the Healthcare Executive of the Year category. In this spotlight, he reflects on key achievements, offers advice for those following a similar path, shares current priorities and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024 / 2025?
As Vice President for Health at ManTech, I’ve led nearly $500 million in successful contract transitions and agile transformations, directly benefiting millions of veterans, active-duty military, and dependents who rely on federal healthcare services. My team has helped ManTech’s federal healthcare clients optimize operations, improve service delivery and enhance decision-making through data-driven innovation.
We strive to deliver transparency, efficiency and accountability – and I’m proud to say our initiatives have helped agencies make better-informed decisions, keeping projects on-time and within budget while also ensuring maximum taxpayer value.
Federal healthcare agencies face a complex challenge – balancing mission-driven patient care with the need for modern, secure and cost-effective IT solutions. ManTech has revolutionized how agencies manage healthcare IT, ensuring that technology is an asset, not an obstacle.
My team is also at the forefront of AI-driven analytics and cybersecurity, ensuring that ManTech’s federal clients have secure, efficient and resilient IT infrastructures. My team’s efforts in cloud modernization and DevSecOps have enabled agencies to:
- Reduce system downtime and improve response times for healthcare providers.
- Enhance cybersecurity protections, safeguarding sensitive medical and benefits data.
- Optimize IT budgets through cost-saving automation and predictive analytics.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
My primary focus is meeting the nation’s commitments to our veterans. Ensuring that we fulfill our promises to Veterans by improving their healthcare and benefits is essential. Enhancing the quality of healthcare and benefits provided to Veterans, while also reducing costs, will create a more sustainable and effective system. This is important for maximizing the resources available to support Veterans.
Our proven technical solutions can significantly reduce manual effort and streamline processes. This includes system implementation and optimization, DevSecOps, and Cyber use cases. Efficiency gains are vital for ensuring that resources are used effectively and that services are delivered promptly.
By leveraging innovative approaches, we can make a positive impact on more Veterans. Innovation is key to addressing emerging challenges and continuously improving the support provided to Veterans. These focus areas are important to the mission because they ensure that Veterans receive the best possible care and support.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Immerse yourself in your customer’s mission and build a talented and trustworthy team who has done the same. There will be many setbacks, but a passion for the mission can keep you going through it all.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know about?
I have a love for vintage British sports cars from the ’50s and ’60s. I own two and maintain them myself. They are a 1958 MGA and a 1961 Jaguar Mark II. While there are many faster (and pricier) cars out there, none are more fun to drive on a winding side road through the hills.