|
ExecutiveBiz: What is your role at Pearson Government Solutions?
Mac Curtis:
I am President and CEO of Pearson Government Solutions. I am responsible for everything that happens in this business, including strategic planning, business development and other facets of management.
ExecutiveBiz: How many employees are you responsible for and who are some of your customers?
Mac Curtis:
We have approximately 5,500 employees in 6 countries in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Venezuela, and Argentina.
ExecutiveBiz: Who are some of your customers?
Mac Curtis:
In the U.S., our customers range from the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, Homeland Security, the Department of Defense and some of the intelligence agencies. It's a pretty good mix between defense and civilian agencies. In Mexico, we're in the telecommunications market. We work with similar government agencies in the rest of Latin America, In Canada, we're mainly involved in the health care business. In the United Kingdom, we're in the 311 business at the local government level. We have a pretty diverse list of customers.
ExecutiveBiz: How many employees do you have here locally?
Mac Curtis:
We have approximately 250 employees in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
ExecutiveBiz: What is your approach to market? What sets the company apart?
Mac Curtis:
We design, build, and operate our customers systems and operations to make them operate more efficiently and at a fair price. We design systems based on our customer's business processes. We integrate those systems based on our customer's mission and then we operate systems to support the customer's mission. In essence, we help our customers deal with their customers, whether in health care, immigration, student aid, student loans, or pension benefits.
ExecutiveBiz: What are some of the trends you are tracking?
Mac Curtis:
Business process modernization is driving change across government which needs to get systems in place to support the large generation in the United States population that's retiring. Another driver is the ability of government to do data sharing. We see that need at the Department of Homeland Security. We also see the need for increased data sharing, especially secure data transmission, at other agencies such as the Department of Labor, Social Security and the IRS. It's about the business process, the architecture, the drive, and the business that drives the answer to the citizen.
ExecutiveBiz: Are acquisitions part of your growth strategy?
Mac Curtis:
We are in the process of finalizing our acquisition of Blueprint Technologies led by Jeanne O'Kelley. Blueprint Technologies has some of the best software and enterprise architects in the business. They've led customers in cutting-edge software projects and deliver superior technological capabilities. They are leaders in Business Process Modeling (BPM), Enterprise Architecture (EA) modeling, transition strategies, legacy application analysis, requirements analysis, Business Process Execution Language (BPEL), and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). By acquiring Blueprint Technologies, we will strengthen our IT design capabilities and accelerate our vision of becoming a Design, Build and Operate powerhouse. In addition, Pearson's acquisition of Blueprint Technologies extends our reach inside government agencies where we both already do business, and also adds new government customers to our combined portfolio.
ExecutiveBiz: Are you looking for any more acquisitions?
Mac Curtis:
We're looking certainly in the growing healthcare area. The Medicare Modernization Act has had a profound impact on the whole re-systemization from the patient to the provider to the payer, so acquisitions in this market can put us where we aren't today.
ExecutiveBiz: What is your approach on working with small business?
Mac Curtis:
We are proud of our successes working with small businesses. Our streamlined and efficient procurement and business development departments make it easy for small businesses to team and partner with Pearson Government Solutions.
ExecutiveBiz: What advice would you give to a CEO wanting to do business with Pearson?
Mac Curtis:
Pearson Government Solutions is a very open organization with six operating divisions. For example, if you are operating in the public healthcare market, you can contact our division manager to talk about our capabilities, business opportunities and program management. It's easy to go to our website and see how we're organized. We want to have conversations with as many small businesses as possible. I encourage your readers to visit our website to learn more about our company: www.pearsongovernmentsolutions.com.
ExecutiveBiz: What is your leadership style?
Mac Curtis:
I lead by a lot of energy and a lot of passion for this business. I expect people to push hard. I think I'm pretty open. I've been in this business for over 20 years. I think people will tell you that I'm fair and honest. I lead by living and breathing our six core values. I expect that in myself and my leaders to do the right thing. If you do that, you win more than you lose.
ExecutiveBiz: What is something most people don't know about you?
Mac Curtis:
I'm an avid surfer. I've surfed on the East Coast, West Coast, Costa Rica, and other places around the world. When I go vacation with my family, it's got to be somewhere that has waves – big waves.
For more information about
Pearson Government Solutions, visit
www.pearsongovernmentsolutions.com.
Interview with Mac Curtis conducted by JD Kathuria.
Enjoy this interview?
Digg It!
Check out more Executive Spotlights ...
|
