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 Kelli Usé-Hull, senior vice president of growth at Clarity Innovations, and a finalist in the CGO or BD Executive of the Year (annual revenue greater than $100M and less than $500M) category. In this spotlight, she 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?
In 2024, one of the standout milestones was supporting the successful acquisition of Chameleon Consulting Group, a strategic move that expanded our capabilities and deepened our market reach. This acquisition was instrumental in fueling a 39% year-over-year growth in revenue — a clear indicator of the momentum we built as a team.
Additionally, we began laying the foundation for a scalable growth engine designed to transition Clarity from a high-performing small business into a formidable midsize powerhouse. This involved operational alignment, investments in infrastructure, and targeted leadership development to support sustainable, long-term expansion.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Looking ahead, our primary focus is on deepening our presence within the national intelligence space and expanding our support to the special operations community. These areas are critical because they sit at the heart of the national security ecosystem, where timely, agile, and mission-driven solutions have a direct impact on global stability and operational success.
By continuing to grow in these domains, we ensure that Clarity remains a trusted partner in some of the most complex and high-stakes environments. This alignment with mission-critical needs not only strengthens our value to our customers but also reinforces our core purpose: delivering impact where it matters most.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Do the work when others won’t, chase the roles that scare you, and never let failure stop you from pursuing your goals.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
I mentor Gold Star children through the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and support transitioning military officers with coaching and career guidance—work that’s deeply personal but largely behind the scenes. It’s where I feel I can give back to a community that has given so much.