The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2023 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 25, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 16.
Next is Contracts Executive of the Year finalist in the Private & Public Companies category Doug Humerick, who is vice president of contracts and procurement at Magellan Federal. Here, he shares proud career moments and career advice.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
When I was a Captain in the Air Force, I deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of NATO’s stabilization force. It was an incredible experience to work with the people of Sarajevo as they rebuilt their nation following their civil war. I worked with international military members using local translators to communicate with vendors. The experience had a profound effect on me. I was always patriotic, but the experience gave me a new appreciation for our freedoms in the United States.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Take every training opportunity that arises, and don’t limit yourself to contracting. Attend short courses and webinars in finance, program management, legal, compliance, and leadership, as understanding the limitations and stresses your functional counterparts encounter is extremely helpful. With all that training, combined with professional experience, it helps make you a more valued team member.