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 Stephanie Haynes, director of marketing at MetroStar, and a finalist in the CMO or Marketing 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/start of 2025?
This past year, my focus was on clarity: clarity of message, brand, and mission. We repositioned MetroStar to reflect its evolution into an AI-enabled services organization. That included overhauling our website, refining our content strategy, and making sure every piece of storytelling aligned with how AI is driving mission outcomes.
With a new administration in place and a shifting focus on modernization and AI adoption, the competition for cleared, qualified talent became even more intense. We responded quickly with a focused recruitment campaign that brought in thousands of applicants and helped directly fill high-priority roles across the company.
At the same time, we worked to elevate MetroStar’s leadership by placing them in national conversations, panels, and strategic events, making sure our voice was in the rooms where the future of government tech is being shaped.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to position MetroStar as an AI-enabled services organization, but not in the generic, buzzword-filled way that’s become all too common. What sets MetroStar apart is how we’re applying AI to core federal mission areas that are often overlooked: enterprise business systems, supply chain logistics, and manpower readiness.
These aren’t flashy domains, but they’re essential to how agencies function and how missions succeed. By applying AI in these spaces, we’re helping our partners unlock real efficiency, make smarter decisions faster, and ultimately support the people who serve, whether that’s a warfighter needing better resource planning or a federal leader trying to modernize outdated systems.
Our role in marketing is to connect those innovations to outcomes that matter. We’re not just telling the AI story, we’re showing how it moves the mission forward.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Surround yourself with high performers; they’ll challenge you, motivate you, and push you to grow in ways you didn’t think you could. I’m lucky enough to work with exactly that kind of team. I’ve been with MetroStar for just under a decade, and I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without the incredible people I’ve worked alongside. My team, my boss, and the CEO are some of the most driven, creative, and curious people I know. They hold me to a high standard and make me better every single day.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Trust me, I don’t enjoy feeling uncomfortable. I’m not out here waking up every day thinking, “You know what sounds fun? Stretching the limits of my sanity and skill set.” But I’ve learned it’s absolutely necessary. Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone, it happens when you’re slightly panicked but still moving forward.
One quote I always come back to is, “Growth is uncomfortable. Because you’ve never been here before.” That friction you feel? It’s not failure. It’s a sign you’re learning, building confidence, and doing the hard work that leads to real growth.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
I’m a little obsessed with my Pomeranians, Tucker and Oliver. They even have their own Instagram: @Tuckolliepom. No shame, they’re adorable and they know it.
I’m also big on habit stacking. I’m always looking for ways to get more out of my time. Most mornings, you’ll find me doing red light therapy, feet up the wall, meditating to the “Peaceful Meditations” playlist on Spotify—yes, all at the same time. It’s my way of grounding before the day picks up speed. I love mornings. That’s when I find my energy and focus. I like to wake up early, get a workout in, take care of the dogs, drink bone broth, and (in theory) take a cold shower. In practice? The cold shower part happens… occasionally. They’re still awful, even when you know they’re “good for you.”
One quote I live by is, “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine. – John C. Maxwell” That mindset helps me stay grounded and on track, especially when the motivation is lacking.