John Schlegel
CFO, IEM
John Schlegel’s biggest recent achievement has been leading a transformational growth phase at IEM built on innovation, disciplined investment and measurable results.
The company launched a new $60 million sector, built a $1 billion pipeline and invested more than $1 million in AI and software to strengthen its competitive edge. By modernizing financial reporting, IEM also reduced decision-critical reporting from 14 days to five, giving leaders faster, smarter insights.
At IEM, efficiency and effectiveness aren’t initiatives; they’re the standard the company holds itself to every day. In disaster recovery and emergency management, time saved isn’t just a financial benefit. It can mean a faster return home, a business reopening and a community regaining stability and normalcy.
IEM delivers cost savings and operational efficiency by bringing interdisciplinary expertise directly to clients. The team includes former federal, state and local emergency managers, policy experts and practitioners who understand government from the inside. That real-world experience allows IEM to streamline processes, anticipate risks and deliver compliant, accelerated solutions.
As federal funding and requirements evolve, so does IEM. Clients trust the company as a single, end-to-end partner—combining innovation, rigor and experience to get it right the first time. That commitment to doing the job well, not just quickly, is what sets IEM apart.
“John has played a critical role in positioning IEM for our next chapter of growth,” said Bryan Koon, president and CEO, IEM International, Inc. “His leadership in modernizing our financial systems, investing in R&D, and standing up a new sector has strengthened our foundation and expanded what’s possible for our company and our clients. IEM is stronger, more agile, and more future-ready because of his vision and execution.”
Why Watch
In 2025, Schlegel’s team focused on sustaining IEM’s growth while accelerating modernization across the company as global challenges and disasters continue to affect communities. The team is implementing systems and tools to strengthen operations, improve efficiency and help employees deliver greater impact. The goal is simple: enable IEM to do more good, faster.
“I have been with IEM nearly seven years and worked with IEM for four years prior to that, and what keeps me here is the people,” Schlegel said. “The culture both within our finance team and across IEM truly reflects our mission and values. I’m fortunate to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented professionals in the industry as we continue to grow and evolve.”
Fun fact: Schlegel played hockey in college but has since traded the ice for pavement. He recently completed his first half marathon and is training for his first full marathon next year. He jokes that he started running after becoming CFO, and it has become one of his favorite ways to clear his head and reset.