Just in the time for the New Year, ExecutiveBiz, the area’s largest e-Magazine, has compiled a list of the “Top 20 People to Watch in 2009.”  At a time of economic and political change, these tried and true veterans of the government’s public and private sectors stand poised to take their companies and stakeholders to greater success in 2009.  Through demonstrated drive and business and political acumen, all 20 forged ahead and drove value to their organizations and the industry as a whole. As we look ahead, these respected names are sure to be ones that will make headlines in 2009.

Paul Leslie
President & COO, Apptis

Ever since Paul Leslie came on board Apptis as President and COO in 2007, he’s helped this leading IT solutions and services provider reinvigorate its image within the federal marketplace. Under Leslie’s leadership Apptis has streamlined operations by focusing on “best of breed” IT solutions and revamping other areas.  Apptis is owned by New Mountain Capital, a private equity firm.

Paul Leslie is no stranger to driving value to the company. Prior to joining Apptis, Leslie was President and CEO of Apogen Technologies, which was later acquired by QinetiQ, and this avid Red Sox fan was a key player in its organic growth and ultimate sale.  What’s in store for Apptis with Leslie at the helm?

Read the rest of this entry »

He’s known for his long and storied career in the federal IT community. For over five years, Jim O’Neill worked at Northrop Grumman, where he managed more than 18,000 employees in the company’s IT sector. Then, three months ago, O’Neill let the DC business community know it was time for a change; he promptly settled into a new role as CEO of CompuDyne, an industry leader in advanced technology integration for the Homeland Security market with more than 900 employees worldwide. In an exclusive interview with ExecutiveBiz, O’Neill shares the latest on his new position — and his excitement over the opportunities he sees ahead.

You left Northrop Grumman about 3 months ago. What are you doing now?

Jim O’Neill: I am now the CEO of CompuDyne at Gores Holding Company.

Can you tell me why you chose this opportunity?

Jim O’Neill: The reason I took Gores Group was because they were very entrepreneurial, with a focus on high technology in the public sector.

Can you tell us how the Gores Group is involved in CompuDyne?

Jim O’Neill: Gores owns CompuDyne, it is one of 15 portfolio companies that they own and it’s the only one in the public sector.

Read the rest of this entry »