Rising Star: Lisa Alferieff

Lisa Rae Alferieff

Age: 37

Organization: TCG

Title: Chief Operating Officer

Nominated for: Managing the overhaul of the Treasury Department’s Budget Formulation and Execution Manager while ensuring minimal disruption to the agencies that continued using the system throughout the process.

First IT mentor: Philip Vincenzes, chief technology officer at DFI Government Services. Phil showed me what it takes to grow a successful IT team built on respect, fun and the desire to develop innovative, professional, quality applications.

What you're most proud of accomplishing: At a previous employer, a transgender team member asked me to help her transition her role in the workplace from being a male to a female. We educated the company and created a zero-tolerance environment for discrimination while simultaneously strengthening the cohesiveness of our team.

Career highlight: Working on several projects for the Executive Office of the President. It can be exciting to work in the nation’s capital, but nothing beats working for the White House.

Your advice for a government IT wannabe: Work for a small company where you’ll have the greatest chance for opportunity, flexibility and contribution. Also, have a good attitude, be willing to perform in a variety of roles, and be honest.

What you enjoy most about working in government IT: The opportunity to solve problems in a wide variety of disciplines, from budget formulation to supply chain management, from counter-intelligence to emergency preparedness.

Favorite job-related bookmarks/apps: Dropbox, LinkedIn, ITDashboard.gov

Meet the rest of the 2012 Rising Star winners.