FCW Insider: Federal program management community loses a giant

John Gioia, a co-founder of program management consulting firm Robbins-Gioia, passed away Dec. 26. Gioia had stepped down from his active leadership of the in 2002, when Jim Leto became president and chief executive officer.

Gioia, a retired Air Force colonel, co-founded the firm in 1980 with retired Air Force Maj. Jack Robbins. First operating out of Gioia's house with eight employees, the firm grew into one of the most prominent consulting firms in the Washington D.C. area, with hundreds of employees.

Robert Guerra, co-founded of the Guerra, Kiviat consulting firm, said Gioia's death is a significant loss.

"Where many have their individual affects on parts of our community, John was impactful in that he set a level of excellence in helping others to enjoy success, and not just in his company," Guerra said. "I was fortunate to be able to call John a friend in spite of not being able to spend much time with him and Patty in recent days.  For those of us fortunate enough to have gotten to know John, we’ll all have a John Gioia story or two to share.  Whether it was his successful military career, his leadership as a business person, or as a wonderful family man with a heart of gold, John set an example for all of us to emulate, and did it with a style uniquely his."

Our condolences go out to Gioia's family, business associates and many friends.