Leadership
VIP is proud to introduce you to its world-class Leadership Team that brings expertise from global technology firms such as Accenture, IBM, CGI, Gartner Consulting, KPMG, Deloitte Consulting, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, as well as careers from within private industry.
Jonna Ward, CEO/President
Jonna Ward is the CEO of VIP. Jonna founded VIP in 1996 by leveraging her unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and using her innate ability to balance insight and ideals with tactical action and results. The successful execution of this commitment is best evidenced by VIP’s proven track record of repeat business and referrals that contribute 88% of VIP’s revenue. Through Jonna’s strategic, operational, and financial leadership, she created and transformed VIP from a company operating out of her back bedroom with one employee (herself) to a global consulting firm with over 800 staff, nine digits of annual sales, a backlog of contracted revenue beyond 2015, and over 900 clients spanning all levels of federal state, and local government as well as various commercial sector industries. Prior to founding VIP, Jonna was an executive with Accenture where she implemented mega-sized systems focused on increasing revenue, maximizing performance, and streamlining processes for some of the largest entities in the United States. Jonna is well-known for her commitment to philanthropic involvement supporting a variety of organizations and for her active participation in government reform activities.
Scott Gregory, Senior Vice President/Chief Sales Officer
Scott Gregory is VIP’s Chief Sales Officer and Senior Vice President responsible for sales, business development, and marketing functions spanning the VIP enterprise. Scott brings over 20 years of sales leadership and company-building success to his role at VIP. Scott’s broad experience spans multiple industry groups including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, consulting, and retail. Prior to VIP, Scott was a partner at Finishline Solutions where he advised leading technology companies such as Microsoft, SAP, BearingPoint, and ACS on complex business capture until SM&A’s acquisition of Finishline in 2010. Previous to Finishline, he served as the Senior Vice President of Sales for Saber Corporation, leading annual sales growth from $5 million to over $200 million during a four-year period of time prior to EDS’ (now HP) acquisition of Saber in 2007. Scott is deeply committed to charitable causes in Sacramento, most notably around homeless and runaway youth.
Mark Goddard, Vice President
Mark Goddard is the Vice President of VIP’s Commercial Division. Mark brings over 25 years of experience capturing and delivering some of the most complex technology solutions in the nation spanning a variety of industries in the commercial sector and all levels of government. As Vice President of our Commercial Division, Mark is responsible for business development, client satisfaction, and overall project delivery. Prior to joining VIP, Mark worked for IBM as part of their Global Business Services Division where he was responsible for selling and managing over 40 SAP implementations spanning commercial and government customers. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in how to architect client solutions that deliver results, organizational change management, and program/project management.
John T. Leh, Vice President
John Leh is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for VIP’s technology-based learning solutions company, otherwise known as Meridian. John brings 17 years of experience in capturing some of the world’s most complicated learning technology solutions in both commercial and government sectors. As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, John is responsible for management and oversight of global sales efforts as well as all marketing and PR activities at Meridian. John brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise inprioritizing selling activities, navigating complex organizations and sales cycles, focusing on customer challenges, and crafting impactful, integrated solutions. Prior to joining Meridian in 2007, John held key management, consulting, and sales roles at Criterion Communications, Wilson Learning, and Sum Total Systems.
Jason Marceau, Vice President
Jason Marceau is the Vice President of Operations for VIP’s technology-based learning solutions company, otherwise known as Meridian. Jason brings 15 years of business, technology, and program management expertise to his role. As Vice President of Operations, Jason is responsible for executive management and oversight of the software, research and development, technical delivery, and professional services divisions of Meridian. In addition, he is responsible for management and execution of Meridian’s strategic plan, overall financial control, and ongoing process improvements and business efficiency. Prior to joining Meridian in 2005, Jason held leadership roles with Qwest Communications where his teams were responsible for implementing telecommunications networks.
Eric Martin, Vice President
Eric Martin is the Vice President of VIP’s Federal Government Division. Eric brings over 20 years of experience capturing and successfully delivering business results for federal customers. Since joining VIP in 2005, Eric has helped to expand VIP’s federal footprint from our first contract to what now includes backlogged revenue through 2015. As Vice President of our Federal Division, Eric is responsible for business development, strategic and operational planning, financial control, and overall project delivery. Prior to joining VIP, Eric worked for BearingPoint where he focused his efforts on capturing and delivering technology solutions and overall program and project management for federal clients. In this role, he grew his assigned practice four-fold and was responsible for business development, delivery, and overall operational leadership.
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Ruth Steinberg, Vice President
Ruth Steinberg is the Vice President of VIP’s State and Local Government Division. Ruth brings 25 years of experience providing strategic and tactical technology consulting services for clients. In her role, Ruth is responsible for understanding the state and local government market, setting direction, establishing relationships with partners and clients, leading sales efforts, and delivering results for our valued customers. Prior to joining VIP, Ruth’s consulting history included CGI where she provided technology solutions for state and local government, Gartner Consulting where she provided strategy technology services for both public and private enterprises, and Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) where she implemented order management and distribution systems for the consumer products and pharmaceuticals industry. Ruth volunteers her time as the Chair of the Technology Committee at a school in Brooklyn, New York.
Patti Bennion, Chief Financial Officer
Patti Bennion is the Chief Financial Officer for VIP. Patti brings over 20 years of business and financial expertise. As Chief Financial Officer, Patti oversees all accounting and treasury functions, financial analysis, and financial reporting requirements for the VIP enterprise. Prior to joining VIP, Patti spent her career in key financial roles focused as a controller, financial analyst, and consultant. In addition to her strong financial and operational background, Patti brings a unique blend of skills having been a consultant for Deloitte Consulting implementing SAP financial management solutions for a diverse set of commercial and government clients.
Steve Carpenter, Vice President
Steve Carpenter is the Vice President of VIP’s Legal and Administration Division. Steve brings over 24 years of progressive and diverse experience with corporate operations. Areas of expertise include contract administration, corporate legal compliance, human resources, mergers and acquisitions, purchasing and procurement, business process design and implementation, facilities management, and technical operations. Prior to joining VIP, Steve performed similar functions for a large system integration and public accounting firm. Steve brings a unique background and combination of capabilities that has served VIP well since 1997.
Melanie Topp, Vice President
Melanie Topp is the Vice President of VIP’s Human Resources Division. Melanie brings over 15 years of specialized expertise in the technology industry. In her role, Melanie manages all aspects of VIP’s human resource initiatives including organizational change, leadership development, talent acquisition, immigration, performance development, employee relations, and employee benefit plans. Her progressive, diverse experience has proven valuable in all aspects of the business including regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and business process development and implementation.
