As chief growth officer at ITC Federal, Zhenia Klevitsky leads the company’s growth strategies and works with leadership to drive business development, capture and marketing initiatives.
She has over 25 years of experience in government contracting, bringing to ITC Federal a comprehensive background in client delivery, business development, strategic planning and client relationship management.
“My career has been defined by leading new business initiatives and managing teams dedicated to driving organic growth and enhancing customer satisfaction across both federal civilian and defense markets,” Klevitsky told WashingtonExec.
Klevitsky began her journey in the GovCon industry as an intern, progressed into consulting roles, and eventually transitioned into growth-focused functions — including proposal development, capture strategy and business development.
“I chose to join ITC Federal because of the inspiring leadership of CEO Greg Fitzgerald, whose strong commitment to growth and strategic vision truly stood out to me,” she said.
The government mission is very important to Klevitsky, and ITC’s visions around delivering innovative IT solutions to support law enforcement and the national security community, and supporting shifts in mission priorities, resonates with her.
Below, she shares more about her career path, her background and personal connection to ITC’s mission, why mentorship matters in GovCon and more.
Do you have a personal connection to the current mission you support?
I have a deeply personal connection to the mission ITC supports through its work with law enforcement and national security agencies. As someone who came to the United States as a refugee from the former Soviet Union, the opportunity to contribute to our nation’s safety and resilience holds profound meaning for me. This country welcomed me with open arms, and I’ve always felt a strong desire to give back. Supporting a mission that protects and serves the nation is not just professionally fulfilling — it’s personal.
How important is mentorship & networking in GovCon? Were they influential to your career?
I think both mentorship and networking in GovCon are instrumental. I believe that shaping the next generation of leaders comes down to two fundamental things:
- Being a mentor — not just a boss. It’s important to be receptive to ideas and respect feedback. I believe in reverse coaching as well, which entails next generation leaders sharing their knowledge and feedback.
- Creating ownership — allow the next generation to be part of and contribute to visible projects versus just being aware of them. Allow them to develop a sense of ownership and accomplishment in what they do so they can prepare for developing and leading the plans a few years down the line.
Without having a great mentor early on in my career who taught me how to navigate the market, I would not be where I am today.
With respect to networking, in this industry, connections are everything — it’s often said we’re less than one degree of separation apart. That’s why maintaining relationships throughout your career is not just valuable, it’s essential.
What is something most people don’t know about you personally?
I am an avid cave scuba diver — I am drawn to the unique blend of tranquility and adrenaline the sport offers. There’s something truly exhilarating about exploring underwater caves that few people on Earth have ever seen. In the stillness of that hidden world, you’re completely reliant on your training, your gear, and your mindset. It’s both humbling and empowering to navigate such an untouched environment, where every breath and every decision matters.