In 2025, Bob Deegan led a modernization of Unissant’s financial and contract management systems through the implementation of Unanet, cutting the company’s monthly financial close cycle from roughly 30 days to four.
Deegan, chief financial officer of Unissant, is a finalist for the Chief Officer Awards’ Private CFO of the Year (annual revenue less than $100 million). The event takes place live June 2.
Here, he discusses modernizing Unissant’s financial operations, his focus areas going forward, and the people-first lesson at the center of his leadership advice.
What key achievements did you have in 2025/2026?
One of my biggest accomplishments during 2025–2026 was helping guide Unissant through a challenging federal contracting environment while also modernizing the company’s financial operations.
Like everyone, we were navigating market uncertainty. We completed a major modernization of our financial and contract management environment through the implementation of Unanet. The transition significantly improved operational visibility, accelerated invoicing and cash collection, and reduced our monthly financial close cycle from approximately 30 days to just four days.
Importantly, we also remained focused on supporting employees, maintaining operational stability, and ensuring continuity for the government missions we support.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Going forward, my focus is on strengthening the operational and financial foundation that allows Unissant to continue supporting government missions effectively in a changing federal environment.
That includes improving financial visibility, forecasting, operational efficiency, and program performance while continuing to modernize internal systems and processes. I’m also focused on maintaining a strong culture built on communication, collaboration, and accountability.
In a market environment that continues to evolve, stability and adaptability are critical. The goal is to ensure Unissant remains operationally strong, financially disciplined, and positioned to support customers reliably over the long term.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Stay curious, stay adaptable, and never lose sight of the people side of leadership.
Technical and financial expertise are important, but long-term success comes from understanding how organizations operate, how teams work together, and how to lead through change. Some of the most valuable experiences come from solving difficult problems collaboratively and staying steady during periods of uncertainty.
I also believe strong communication and trust matter just as much as technical knowledge. Leadership is ultimately about supporting people, building relationships, and helping teams succeed together.
What is something about you that most people do not know?
I was a two sport athlete playing Soccer and Lacrosse in College Captaining both teams and was a 1st Team All-American in Soccer my senior year,
