When Adam DeJulio joined Epoch Concepts as general counsel, the job description already spanned legal, compliance and cybersecurity. Then the regulatory environment got more complicated.
Over the past year, he steered the company through a CMMC Level 2 assessment and a DCSA audit while standing up a new enterprise security program and drafting AI use policy from scratch — the kind of workload that tends to reveal what a lawyer is actually made of.
DeJulio is a finalist for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards in the General Counsel and/or Compliance Executive of the Year category. The event takes place live June 2.
In this spotlight, he shares key achievements from the past year, discusses his priorities moving forward, and reflects on the relationships that shaped his career.
What key achievements did you have in 2025/2026?
I successfully led Epoch Concepts through its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 assessment conducted by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), resulting in a passing score and validating the company’s ability to securely handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within Epoch’s enclave environment. This year-long effort required close collaboration across leadership, internal IT, and operational teams to strengthen security posture, ensure compliance readiness, and support evolving Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements.
I also successfully led Epoch Concepts through its Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) audit while implementing a new enterprise security program structure designed to better support the company’s long-term security commitments, operational requirements, and business objectives. Additionally, developed and implemented company-wide generative artificial intelligence (AI) usage guidelines and policies to promote responsible adoption, strengthen data protection, and ensure alignment with evolving cybersecurity and compliance standards.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
My primary focus areas moving forward include continuing to advance the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) across the organization, including identifying new opportunities to enhance legal advisement and operational workflows through AI-enabled tools and processes. Much like the adoption of email or the internet, effectively understanding, governing, and deploying these technologies will be essential to maintaining a competitive advantage and more effectively supporting customer missions. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily operations, securely developing and implementing these capabilities will ensure Epoch Concepts remains agile, compliant, and prepared to address future challenges.
In addition, maintaining awareness of evolving regulatory requirements and Request for Offer (RFO) developments remains a critical priority. Understanding changes in how and when the government procures technology solutions is essential to staying ahead of market shifts and customer expectations. Equally important is ensuring alignment with customer compliance obligations so that innovation and growth are achieved without introducing unnecessary risk.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
The best career advice I would give is to build relationships with your peers and your mentors. Find great mentors and learn as much as you can from them. I had the pleasure of working with several great attorneys, Chris Schilder, Ashley Merritt, and Lynleigh Richwine, who all helped me grow and learn a great deal. I was fortunate enough to also work alongside amazing peers such as Rachel Retzke and Tyler Coppage, whose advice and support during the day-to-day of our early careers was invaluable. People matter and the relationships you build throughout your career stick with you. I still ask them questions to this day!
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know about?
I’m an avid curler and compete regularly at the local Denver Curling Club.
