The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards were announced March 28, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person May 10.
Next is John Wasson, CEO of ICF, and finalist in the Private and Public Company CEO (annual revenue greater than $500 million) category. Here, he shares key achievements, focus areas going forward, career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2023?
By all measures, 2023 was a great year for ICF. We had another strong year of revenue and sales growth that allowed us to welcome over 2,000 new employees to the company. And our solutions, people and projects won hundreds of industry accolades, including being named Government Contractor of the Year by the Greater Washington GovCon Awards. Forbes also named us one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity and one of the Best Management Consulting Firms in the U.S.
But beyond the numbers and awards, what truly marked the year was how we played a critical role in positively impacting the lives of people and communities around the world. With our clients, we created a healthier planet. A more sustainable future. More resilient communities. Stronger and better infrastructure and technology solutions. The list goes on.
Across thousands of projects, we combined our signature deep domain experience with our advanced technology and innovation capabilities to scale programs and increase impact. For example, we:
- Moved the federal system that tracks health data across kidney transplant centers nationwide into the cloud for better, faster analysis and impact.
- Developed AI prototypes for several federal agencies to increase their efficiency and optimize service delivery.
- Developed groundbreaking fuel economy standards to help reduce 900 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2050.
- Used drones and our cloud-based grants management solution to quickly get federal funds to local communities impacted by natural disasters, and more.
We’re an example of purpose-driven success with nearly 90% of our employees expressing pride in working at ICF and over 80% feeling a strong sense of belonging. This past year ⏤ and always ⏤ our culture helped empower diverse voices and celebrate progressive ideas, which has allowed us to thrive.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Federal leaders are grappling with significant and unprecedented challenges and are looking to achieve bigger outcomes, faster. And many are trying to determine how to best translate their data into mission-critical action. Embracing technology and undergoing digital modernization efforts is a game-changing solution.
But last year, 70% of federal agencies were still working to meet their digital modernization goals. While they are focused on advancing their modernization journeys, they still need smart, scaled technology implementation partners. And holistic data optimization approaches to effectively leverage emerging technologies, like AI/GenAI, safely and responsibly and better respond to the needs and expectations of U.S. citizens.
Over the past year, we’ve doubled down on our interdisciplinary, technology forward approach to enable us to rapidly deliver amplified impact and help agencies create solutions that boost workforce efficiency, optimize service delivery, accelerate innovation and much more.
We’ll continue to leverage our technology and innovation capabilities to scale programs and increase mission impact for our clients. And we’ll continue to serve as a trusted, reliable, low-risk digital modernization provider, which is exactly what our clients need right now.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Your career trajectory and ability to perform well and grow is entirely up to you. As much as you put into your career, is what you will get out of it. Find something you are passionate about and skilled in, seek good mentors, and most importantly, know when to pivot. Constantly pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone can lead to highly rewarding professional experiences. Take the chance and bet on yourself! You never know where it may lead.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
I’m passionate about contemporary art. I serve on the advisory board for the Manetti Shrem Museum at the University of California, Davis, and collect contemporary art from California artists.