On November 1, 2022, Chief Delivery Officer (CDO) Kathrine Dass will be recognized during the 5th Annual Leading for Impact Women in Leadership Conference.
Dass has been nominated and selected by a panel of current and former leaders from across the federal IT sector as a 2022 Leading for Impact, Women in Leadership Award winner.
This award recognizes women creating impact, leading organizations and directing mission-focused strategic programs across the federal civilian, federal health, military health, technology and consulting community.
At Ventech Solutions, Dass is a key member of the leadership team, providing vision, strategy and passion to more than 400 staff.
What does it mean to you to receive the Leading for Impact, Women in Leadership Award?
It is an honor to be recognized with so many outstanding female leaders in a career that I am immensely proud of.
If you had a megaphone that spoke to all the women in the world who are interested in federal IT, what would you say?
I would say jump in and don’t look back! In supporting federal IT, we can make a positive impact on our communities.
My advice is to be genuine, ask questions and build your experience and network. I started my career as an engineer in the defense industry and now I’m supporting our health care industry. The possibilities are endless when you approach your career with curiosity and determination.
What led you to work in federal health IT?
I wanted to make a difference. I come to work every day and I know that I am working toward positive change for all our communities. I feel like I am making a difference, providing access to health care, supporting our providers and beneficiary communities and making health care services available more quickly and effectively.
What do you see as the future in federal health IT?
Innovation and technology that continues to support the evolution of our needs, with an emphasis in machine learning, artificial intelligence and cyber security. The pandemic showed us very quickly that we need to be able to pivot in how we think, how we deliver and how we engage people in a virtual environment.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is recognizing people’s strengths and putting them in positions where they will excel. My job as a leader is to trust and respect, be supportive and make sure teams have what they need to be successful. I am not successful on my own; we are successful as a team. As a leader, I need to continue to grow and educate myself—be a coach and a mentor and recognize my own strengths and weaknesses.
What is it like working at Ventech Solutions?
Working at Ventech Solutions is exciting! Without a doubt, I love the people who I work with every day. I know many people can’t say that with a straight face and I can. Working at a company that is continuing to grow and evolve is not without its challenges. However, I am surrounded by smart and empowering leadership; it makes taking on new opportunities and navigating those challenges easier and truly energizes me to come to work every day. I must say, our employees are the best in the industry, and they exemplify our company culture and values.
If you had to describe Ventech Solutions in one word, what would it be?
Empowering
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I hope to continue making a positive impact in other people’s lives and watching my daughters grow up to be strong women.