Elisa Kirkhorn
Chief Growth Officer, Magellan Federal
Meeting the evolving needs of military and federal civilian agencies doesn’t happen without building key processes and a strong organizational structure. For Elisa Kirkhorn, fulfilling that role by focusing on integrating human-centered, technology-enabled solutions that enhance mission readiness and operational efficiency was her most significant achievement this year.
James Thornbrugh, president of Magellan Federal, had high praise for her work.
“Elisa’s ability to lead with clarity, purpose and vision has been instrumental in positioning our organization to deliver greater impact where it matters most,” he said.
Why Watch
In 2025, her team is focused on advancing their multi-year strategic plan to expand Magellan Federal’s capabilities. They deliver impactful mental health, well-being and specialty services to military personnel, federal law enforcement, first responders and federal civilian employees. And that work helps build a resilient, high-performing workforce prepared to serve the American public.
“I’m incredibly proud of the high-performing team we’ve built — every individual brings passion, expertise and a deep commitment to our mission,” she said. “Together, we’re focused on delivering meaningful solutions that help service members and federal civilians lead healthier, happier lives while supporting their ability to serve at their best.”
Kirkhorn leads efforts to align with the administration’s priorities by implementing data-driven strategies that reduce costs and increase productivity. Her team is driving continuous process improvements and building collaborative, scalable solutions that deliver measurable results. They aim to ensure every agency they serve operates more efficiently while staying mission focused.
Fun Fact: As a mother of four, Kirkhorn spends much of her free time cheering from the sidelines at soccer and basketball games, supporting dance competitions, visiting colleges and supervising driving practice. Life is nonstop — but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Balancing family and a mission-driven career taught her to lead with empathy, adaptability and purpose.