Rocky Thurston

CEO, DMI

Rocky Thurston’s biggest recent achievement was building a company customers trust to listen and respond when things don’t go exactly right. Over the past year, he has focused on tightening execution, improving responsiveness and giving teams clearer authority to fix issues quickly. That work rarely makes headlines, but it shows up in long-term customer relationships.

DMI helps agencies reduce cost and complexity by making IT environments more stable, predictable and easier to manage. That includes modernizing legacy systems, improving security without adding friction and operating services in ways that minimize surprises. When government teams spend less time reacting to problems, they can spend more time on mission delivery.

“We’re trying to build a company that works,” Thurston said. “That means customers get the service they expect — and when they don’t, they get a partner who listens, adjusts and fixes it. It also means we invest in our people the way we ask them to invest in us — with the tools, clarity, and support they need to do their best work. Leadership’s job is to remove friction. We plow the runways so others can fly.”

Why Watch

In 2026, Thurston is focused on making DMI easier to work with through clearer accountability, faster response and fewer handoffs for customers. Internally, the company continues to invest in the tools, processes and leadership support its people need to perform at a high level. Thurston believes that when those fundamentals are applied consistently, results follow.

Fun fact: Thurston played football at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he learned early that progress comes from preparation, teamwork and doing the job well even when no one is watching. That mindset has stayed with him throughout his career.