CJ Donnelly is dedicated to federal service. As managing director of U.S. federal at Slalom, he focuses on delivering impactful, innovative and sustainable solutions to federal clients.
He does this by implementing a comprehensive federal strategy, overseeing key federal accounts, driving revenue growth and ensuring profitability.
“From the outset of my career, I’ve been driven by a singular question: How can data and technology transform federal missions to improve citizens’ lives?” Donnelly told WashingtonExec. “This focus on meaningful impact, coupled with a passion for empowering teams, has shaped my journey from a hands-on data scientist to a leader scaling technology consulting practices for the federal government.”
Today, Donnelly merges these experiences to advance Slalom’s goal of modernizing government through innovation. He’s helping the company to be the first in its industry to lead with bringing more and delivering outcomes as it aims to become the “world’s most customer-obsessed and employee-empowered services company,” as Donnelly put it.
Below, Donnelly expands on his connection to federal service, current growth opportunities, top priorities and more.
Can you expand on your career path and personal connection to the federal mission?
After graduating from Colby College with a degree in economics and mathematics, I chose to provide consulting services to federal clients over commercial industry because I wanted my work to directly serve the public good. Starting in 2007 as a data scientist supporting federal clients, I witnessed how analytics could optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and even save lives.
By 2012, I was pioneering AI/ML models for mission-critical challenges for the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) — a turning point that revealed the transformative potential of emerging technologies. I quickly realized that individual technical expertise alone couldn’t scale impact.
To truly move the needle, organizations needed teams that blended technical excellence with deep mission understanding. This led me to shift from hands-on analytics to building and leading high-performing technology practices.
In 2015, I joined PwC (later Guidehouse) to launch their Defense & Security Analytics team. What began as a three-person initiative grew into a 175+ person team, delivering advanced analytics and AI solutions across the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, State Department, and Department of Justice.
My success there expanded into firm-wide roles, including Analytics & Data Visualization Capability Lead and Technology Advisory Lead for the Defense & Security segment, where I shaped cross-sector strategies and cultivated leading talent.
This trajectory ultimately brought me to Slalom in July 2024. I was drawn by Slalom’s unique culture: a blend of customer obsession, employee empowerment, and cutting-edge technology expertise. Slalom’s ability to help agencies modernize infrastructure, streamline operations, and adopt agile, human-centered solutions aligns perfectly with the federal government’s evolving needs. In an era where agencies seek partners who can deliver outcomes, not just outputs, Slalom’s model stands apart.
What are your current top priorities and responsibilities? How do these relate to your company’s overall mission and growth strategy?
In my role at Slalom, I focus on three pillars that directly support our company’s vision and the federal government’s modernization goals:
Partnering with Federal Agencies to Modernize their Technology: Federal agencies face unprecedented challenges, from cybersecurity threats to legacy system modernizations, and they need partners who can deliver speed, innovation, and scalability. My team is laser-focused on understanding these pain points, whether it’s accelerating cloud adoption, embedding AI responsibly, or improving citizen services through data-driven insights. We’re expanding our footprint by aligning Slalom’s cross-industry expertise (e.g., healthcare, finance, and technology) with federal priorities, ensuring solutions are both transformative and sustainable.
Driving Growth Through Trust and Outcomes: Growth isn’t just about scaling technology implementation in government; it’s about becoming a trusted advisor. By leading with empathy and deep listening, we build long-term partnerships. Simultaneously, we’re investing in outcome-based contracts that tie success metrics to mission results, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Cultivating a Mission-Driven Talent Ecosystem: The federal landscape’s complexity demands teams who combine technical expertise with mission passion. I’m focused on building and retaining a team of professionals who thrive in agile environments and share Slalom’s core values.
Where do you and your team see growth opportunities for your customers, and how are you and your team planning to address them?
By staying customer-obsessed, we aim to be the first choice for federal agencies seeking to modernize efficiently. Every day, I’m energized by the opportunity to bridge the gap between government missions and the technologies that can achieve them, all while empowering teams to deliver their best work.
In the end, my journey has always been about more than data or leadership — it’s about ensuring that every innovation, every team, and every client engagement contributes to a government that works better for everyone. At Slalom, we’re not just building solutions, we’re helping to build the future.
What is something most people don’t know about you personally?
I play for the Chilean National Lacrosse Team and hold the Washington, D.C., Master’s 82.5kg Powerlifting State Record.
