With a growing footprint across VA, DHS, and its subagencies, a leadership team boasting decades of experience in serving agencies within Law Enforcement, National Security, Biometrics, and Healthcare, and a culture founded on service, AVER is transforming federal consulting with its innovative solutions and exceptional team dynamics. To delve deeper, we interviewed Brian Sluyter (Chief Operating Officer), Pamela Berg (Vice President), Lindsey Krone (Director), Andrew Kiang (Senior Manager), Hadassah Stearman (Project Manager), and Jenissa Soares (HR Generalist), to uncover their secrets to success.
Founded on Service
Founded over a decade ago, AVER was built on the principle of providing unparalleled service to federal clients through innovation and value. Over time, the company evolved into a rapidly growing data, digital transformation, and mission support firm.
That commitment to service extends to its internal team, focusing on recruiting great talent and then taking care of them. “We’ve doubled down on how we recruit people, how we take care of people, the caliber of people we look for, and the standard we set for ourselves.”
In a competitive marketplace, balancing interesting work and employee well-being has been key to AVER’s success. “People do tend to move around a lot in this industry, and sometimes it is unavoidable, but our hope is for longevity. We want to understand long-term goals and why people may have made prior job moves.”
Investing in Professional Development
AVER invests heavily in professional development, looking beyond technical skills to find individuals who fit the company’s culture and long-term vision. “The work we do and the growth potential for our team fall within what we call the realm of the possible. People are encouraged to think beyond their daily tasks to what may be possible and are empowered to put those ideas into action.”
Innovation challenges and communities of practice empower AVER employees to explore new ideas and drive growth. “As a small business, people are not pigeon-holed into roles as they might be in larger firms. Instead, they have the ability to explore and learn about things outside their daily scope to really grow and learn.”
Career Paths
Over the past year, AVER has focused on career paths and creating transparency for those seeking growth, offering models that show how to advance within the organization and what it means to be a leader at various levels. “That includes staying connected to people, so they understand the opportunities available and are on the paths they want to be. Especially with the growth trajectory the business is currently on, there is abundant opportunity to grow our people.”
Performance reviews and feedback are integral at AVER, ensuring both employees and leaders align on expectations and growth opportunities. “As a small business, we provide a lot of flexibility and opportunities for involvement in different areas. The more successful our people are, the more we can achieve together.”
Extending the Realm of Possibility to Customers
AVER is focused on bringing the lens of possibility to clients, identifying where they are, where they can go, and what may be needed to prepare for the next stage. “We can take lessons learned with other clients to prepare others. In one instance, we implemented training sessions, created curriculums, facilitated training, and identified learning objectives to ensure our client’s successful transition to a more automated work environment.”
Partnerships
Valuing both small and large partnerships, AVER nurtures relationships that enhance its capabilities and customer domain knowledge. “We’re always mindful of how we work with smaller companies that bring valuable capabilities or customer knowledge. We hold both large and small partners to the same standard, ensuring good people, great service, and teamwork. Our subcontractors are involved at every step of the way and are part of the process from planning to strategy, vision and execution.”
The Collective
AVER prides itself on a collective culture where team members support each other beyond just completing tasks, fostering a sense of community and well-being. “We count on each other, not just to get the work done but as people. When someone is off or not themselves, those around them notice and respond. It’s about mental health, happiness, and overall well-being.”
This connectivity and appreciation for each other, despite being a hybrid company, leads to a culture where people celebrate successes, support each other through challenges, and show up for clients in a unique way.
Leaning into Innovation
Whether it is adapting its culture, leveraging technology, or improving processes, AVER is committed to giving people the confidence to think differently and challenge themselves. “You have to allow people the space to innovate, to have the time to consider whether something is working or not, and to explore other options. We schedule retrospectives and make them engaging, creating time for new ideas to come forward.”
“No one ever asks a client, ‘Can we be innovative today? It’s something we do, it’s something we focus on, and it’s what we deliver to drive client missions forward.”
By focusing on innovation, employee development, and a strong internal culture, AVER is not just a company but a collective striving toward shared goals and achieving something great.
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