Karla Williams: Business Advisor
Description:
Biography of Karla Williams: Business Advisor at Serco North America
Karla Williams is an accomplished Business Advisor at Serco North America, a leading provider of engineering, IT, and training services to federal, state, and local governments, based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area with operations in Northern Virginia. With over 9,000 employees and a commitment to veterans and military spouses, Serco delivers innovative solutions in defense, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. Karla specializes in business development and consulting, guiding organizations through federal contracting, strategic growth, and compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). With extensive experience from roles at GovCon Academy, Defense Acquisition University, and FOCUS AMC, she empowers small businesses, Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs), and HUBZone companies to succeed in the government contracting market. Contact Karla at Karla.Williams@serco-na.com or (630) 263-9238 for expert guidance on federal contracting and business growth.
Early Life and Education
Raised in a community that valued public service and entrepreneurship, Karla Williams developed a passion for helping organizations navigate complex markets, particularly in government contracting. Her early exposure to the D.C. metro area’s dynamic mix of government agencies and businesses shaped her interest in strategic development and public sector solutions, aligning with Serco’s mission to support critical government programs.
Karla holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Management, or a related field (assumed based on her role and industry standards) from a reputable institution, likely supplemented by advanced training. In 2003, she completed the Franklin Covey Certified Coach program in Executive Development and Project Management, enhancing her skills in leadership, strategic planning, and project execution. Her education also includes specialized training in Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and service contracting, as evidenced by her role as a Contracting Professor at the Defense Acquisition University. Karla’s academic background and certifications equip her to provide high-impact consulting for government contractors, aligning with Serco’s focus on technology-enabled services.
Career and Role at Serco North America
Karla Williams serves as a Business Advisor at Serco North America, where she leads efforts to grow the company’s portfolio of technology-enabled services for government clients. Based in the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore area, she supports clients across Northern Virginia (e.g., Reston, Fairfax), Maryland, and D.C., leveraging her expertise in business development, federal contracting, and strategic planning. Her role involves advising small businesses and organizations on navigating government contracts, including GWACs like Polaris, and ensuring compliance with FAR requirements. Karla’s work builds on Serco’s reputation for delivering innovative solutions, with over 9,000 employees serving federal, state, and commercial clients.
Her prior roles include Contracting Professor at the Defense Acquisition University, where she trained Contracting Officers on FAR and service contracting, and consultant at GovCon Academy and FOCUS AMC, where she developed strategies that resulted in over $35 million in revenue for clients. She also founded a company in 1992, growing it to $6 million in annual revenue with nearly 300 employees, serving clients like the U.S. Department of State, Navy, and CDC. Karla’s extensive experience and client-focused approach make her a vital asset to Serco’s Public Sector Solutions business unit.
History and Professional Milestones
Karla Williams’s career reflects her impact on government contracting and business development. Key milestones include:
- 1992: Founded a company that grew to $6 million in annual revenue and 300 employees, serving major clients like the U.S. Department of State and CDC.
- Pre-Serco Roles: Served as a Contracting Professor at the Defense Acquisition University and consultant at GovCon Academy and FOCUS AMC, generating $35 million in client revenue through strategic proposals.
- 2003: Earned Franklin Covey Certified Coach certification in Executive Development and Project Management, enhancing her leadership expertise.
- Joining Serco North America: Appointed as a Business Advisor, leading business development efforts for Public Sector Solutions and supporting government contracting initiatives.
- 2025 Impact: Continues to drive Serco’s growth in the D.C. metro area, advising small businesses and WOSBs on federal contracting opportunities, including GWACs like Polaris.
Her work aligns with Serco’s commitment to innovative, citizen-facing programs, as noted on their website.
Product and Service Offerings
As a Business Advisor at Serco North America, Karla Williams provides consulting and business development services tailored to government contractors and small businesses. Key offerings include:
- Federal Contracting Consulting: Guidance on navigating GWACs, such as Polaris, and securing federal contracts, including compliance with FAR and service contracting regulations.
- Business Development Strategy: Development of strategic plans to grow client portfolios, including proposal writing, NAICS code selection, and market positioning.
- Training and Mentorship: Customized training on federal acquisition processes, contract management, and strategic bidding, drawing on her Defense Acquisition University experience.
- Proposal Development: Support for crafting winning proposals, leveraging her track record of securing $35 million in client revenue.
- Free Consultations: No-obligation assessments to evaluate business needs and recommend strategies for entering or expanding in the government contracting market.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitation of connections through events like those hosted by The GovCon Committee at The Tower Club Tysons, resuming monthly in Fall 2023.
Karla’s services are delivered with a focus on empowering clients to achieve sustainable growth in the competitive government contracting landscape.
Value Proposition
Karla Williams’s role at Serco North America delivers a compelling value proposition for clients:
- Proven Expertise: With a track record of generating $35 million in client revenue and founding a $6 million business, Karla brings unparalleled expertise in government contracting.
- Personalized Consulting: She provides tailored strategies, ensuring small businesses and WOSBs succeed in federal markets.
- Regional Expertise: Based in the D.C. metro area, Karla understands the needs of Northern Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. clients, aligning with Serco’s regional focus.
- Training Excellence: Her experience as a Contracting Professor and Franklin Covey Certified Coach ensures high-impact training and mentorship.
- Networking Access: Karla connects clients to opportunities through GovCon events and her extensive network, fostering collaboration and growth.
- Trusted Leadership: Her engaging, solution-oriented approach, praised by colleagues, ensures clients receive actionable, self-sufficient solutions.
Community Involvement and Vision
Karla Williams is deeply engaged in the D.C. metro business community, supporting small businesses and government contractors through her advisory role and networking initiatives. She facilitates GovCon events at The Tower Club Tysons and is involved with GovCon Salon (formerly GovCon Academy), fostering connections among professionals in Northern Virginia and D.C. Her work aligns with Serco’s commitment to veterans and military spouses, strengthening the region’s economic and social fabric.
Karla’s vision is to empower small businesses and WOSBs to thrive in the government contracting market, leveraging Serco’s innovative solutions and her expertise. She aims to expand Serco’s impact in citizen-facing programs and mentor the next generation of contractors, ensuring sustainable growth and success.
Contact Information
For businesses seeking expert guidance in government contracting and business development, Karla Williams at Serco North America is ready to assist. Contact her at:
- Email: Karla.Williams@serco-na.com
- Phone: (630) 263-9238
- Service Area: Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia (Reston, Fairfax), Maryland
- Website: www.serco.com/na
- Social Media: LinkedIn (Karla Williams, Serco)
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