Sprezzatura

Meet the People Behind the Work: Kiley Garrett One of the storytellers behind Sprezzatura’s growth efforts – blending creativity, strategy, and technical precision to craft winning proposals that make a meaningful impact for Veterans. With a background in English and creative writing (go Hoos, go Blue Jays!), Kiley loves transforming complex requirements into compelling narratives that connect with customers and showcase Sprezz’s mission-driven solutions. For her, every proposal is more than a document – it’s an opportunity to tell a story that improves Veteran lives and opens doors for meaningful partnerships. She thrives on the fast pace of proposal work, balancing compliance, capture insight, and customer knowledge to build persuasive, mission-focused solutions. No two bids are the same, and that constant challenge keeps the Growth team sharp! Fun fact: She’s an avid reader who will happily discuss everything from fiction to nonfiction and “everything in between.” She’s also become passionate about yoga, embracing the challenge of mastering balance poses. Most weekends, you’ll find Kiley hiking with her husband, adorable toddler, and two dogs. Her advice for anyone starting out in growth or proposal work: “Find a way to incorporate something you care about into your daily operations. When you show up excited and committed – curiosity, integrity, and initiative naturally shine.” We’re grateful for the creativity, collaboration, and dedication she brings to Sprezzatura every day! #EmployeeSpotlight #TeamSprezz #ProposalManagement #GrowthStrategy #VeteranSupport #MeetTheTeam

The 757 Crew (Allie Bautista, Kisha Jones, PMP, ICP, Ed. S, Chalise Shartzer, Pamela Meadows, Megan Alexander, and Callee Christopher) recently had the opportunity to come together in person at Gather, a local coworking space designed to bring people, and ideas, together. It was a great chance to collaborate, strengthen relationships, and share insights into the work we each tackle every day. The crew was also joined by Jenna A. Giandoni, who brought not only great energy, thoughtful perspectives, and plenty of laughs... but served up some cookies too, which certainly didn’t hurt morale! In today’s increasingly virtual world, moments like this matter more than ever. Studies show that in-person interactions can improve team collaboration by up to 20% and significantly boost trust and communication across teams. Even a few hours of face-to-face time can lead to stronger alignment, increased engagement, and a deeper sense of connection to both the work and each other. As Helen Keller puts it: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Engagement opportunities like this are a key part of what makes Sprezzatura’s culture strong. They give us space to connect beyond screens, exchange ideas more freely, and build relationships that power great work. Sometimes the best ideas, and the strongest connections, start with a simple conversation (and cookies). 🍪

We’re proud to share that Ned Struzziero, VP of Growth, has been named an IGNITE 2026 Honoree! This recognition celebrates bold leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in digital transformation. Hosted by GOVTECH CONNECTS, the IGNITE Summit recognizes an exceptional group of leaders who are driving innovation and advancing digital transformation across government and industry. This honor reflects Ned’s leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to delivering meaningful impact in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Ned will represent Sprezzatura at the IGNITE 2026 Summit this May, joining a distinguished cohort of executives and thought leaders shaping the future of technology and mission outcomes. We are proud to see his contributions recognized on this national stage and look forward to his continued impact. Join us on May 6 at the IGNITE Summit presented by GOVTECH CONNECTS as we celebrate this year’s honorees and their impact across our community. Register Here: https://lnkd.in/ed5Rn7J4 Congratulations, Ned! We’re excited to cheer you on. #IGNITESummit #IGNITE26 #IGNITEAwards #GovTech #DigitalTransformation 

April 2026 marked the 40th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, an inspiring annual event co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and DAV (Disabled American Veterans).   Held from April 4th through 11th in Snowmass Village, Colorado, this clinic is widely recognized as a world leader in adaptive sports rehabilitation for disabled Veterans. Each year, this event brings together nearly 400 veterans with significant disabilities – including spinal cord injuries, TBIs, amputations, and visual impairments – to participate in therapeutic and confidence-building activities such as adaptive skiing, sled hockey, rock climbing, and more.   Often referred to as “Miracles on a Mountainside,” the clinic empowers Veterans to push beyond perceived limitations, fostering resilience, independence, and community through sport and shared experience.    Several members of Sprezzatura volunteered their time and energy to support this impactful event. Mariana Claghorn, Jenna A. Giandoni, Scott Bartel, Jeff Burney, Scott Yaroschuk, Katie Gilley, and Jim Watkins all represented Sprezzatura in an impactful way. We are incredibly proud of them for showing up with commitment to such a profound initiative.   From assisting participants to helping ensure smooth day-to-day operations, our team was honored to play a small role in creating an environment where Veterans could challenge themselves and celebrate their achievements. Sprezzatura looks forward to continuing our involvement in initiatives that make a difference and strengthen the communities we serve.   A sincere and heartfelt thank you to the VA and DAV for organizing such a meaningful program, and for allowing Sprezzatura to play a small part in supporting this milestone of the 40th Winter Sports Clinic!   Want to learn more about this clinic and the impact it makes for our Veterans? Visit their website here: https://lnkd.in/gTGpCpEs. #WinterSportsClinic #SupportingVets

Meet the People Behind the Work: Zachary Evans At Sprezzatura, great work starts with great people. This month, we’re highlighting a driven member of our team whose passion for connection, growth, and impact shows up in everything he does. Originally from Warrenton, Virginia, Zach now calls Fredericksburg home after relocating for his wife’s career opportunity. His journey into Talent Acquisition started with a love for relationship-building during his time as a college football player. What began as a passion for recruiting and connecting with others naturally evolved into a career where he now helps match great people with meaningful opportunities. Today, he plays a key role in supporting our mission - especially when it comes to working with veterans. Whether offering career guidance, refining resumes, or helping veterans find their next chapter, his work is rooted in purpose and impact. Fun fact: His ideal weekend is a football fan’s dream - starting with a pastry stop at a local favorite in Fredericksburg, followed by cheering on his alma mater (shoutout to Randolph-Macon College), and wrapping up with a full lineup of college and NFL games (with his mom’s cooking as the MVP). Outside of work, he enjoys gaming, working with his hands, attending concerts, and spending time with his family (and dogs). His best career advice: “Do what’s right when no one is looking. If you can’t be accountable to yourself, who are you to hold someone else accountable?” We’re grateful for the energy, integrity, and dedication he brings to Sprezzatura - and for the impact he continues to make across our team and the communities we serve. #EmployeeSpotlight #TeamSprezz #CompanyCulture #MeetTheTeam

It’s happening TODAY. If you’re in GovCon and not in the room… you might want to rethink your calendar. Sprezzatura is proud to sponsor Advancing Partnerships: Navigating #VA Acquisition & Small Business Opportunities, a powerhouse event bringing together VA leaders and industry experts for real, actionable conversations. With 500+ professionals already registered, this isn’t just another webinar. This is where connections are made, insights are shared, and opportunities take shape. We’re especially excited to have our own Bill Porter moderating one of the sessions, helping drive the kind of dialogue that moves our industry forward. Here’s why this one matters: - Direct access to VA leaders in live breakout rooms (not recorded) - Candid insights on acquisition and small business opportunities - A chance to engage, ask questions, and be part of the conversation, not just listen The fireside chat and panels will be available after, but the real magic? That’s happening live. If you haven’t joined yet, there’s still time to show up and make it count. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gpzFZKRq Huge thanks to Shelley McGuire's tireless coordination efforts, OrangeSlices AI, and all the incredible partners making this event possible. We’re honored to be part of it. Let’s go make Tuesday count. #GovCon #GovernmentContracting #VeteranAffairs #SmallBusiness #Federal #Partnerships #IndustryLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Meet the People Behind the Work: Riley Mosby 🌟 At Sprezzatura, great work starts with great people. This month, we’re highlighting one of the creative minds on our Communications Team who helps keep our teams informed, aligned, and connected - Riley Mosby. Originally from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, she attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. and now calls Reston, Virginia home. Her career path didn’t start in communications - after studying Chemical Engineering, she began as a Project Coordinator bringing order to complex projects before moving into Quality and eventually Communications. Today, she combines technical thinking with storytelling to help teams stay engaged and informed. Fun fact: She cares for 70+ houseplants and even maintains a patio garden with peppers, okra, peanuts, and beans. Bonus: Her (allegedly) mischievous cat can actually sit on command and tolerates adorable holiday outfits! Her best career advice: “The most important part of communication isn’t the words - it’s the people. Listening and building connections will always matter more than perfect phrasing.” We’re grateful for the creativity, collaboration, and perspective that Riley brings to Sprezzatura. #EmployeeSpotlight #TeamSprezz #CompanyCulture #MeetTheTeam

Celebrating the People Who Make Sprezz... Sprezz. March 6th marks Employee Appreciation Day, and it gives us a moment to pause and recognize something that often moves so quickly we forget to say it out loud: Sprezzatura works because of you. Every proposal written, every customer call handled, every late-night deliverable completed, every idea shared in a meeting, every process improved, every teammate helped along the way. Those moments are the heartbeat of this company. Consulting work can be demanding. Our clients rely on us to solve complex problems, deliver excellence, and represent Sprezzatura with professionalism and integrity. That level of trust doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of the talent, dedication, and character of the people who show up every day ready to do great work. What makes Sprezzatura special is not just the work we do. It is how we do it. We see it in the project manager who steps in to support a teammate before being asked.  In the engineer who patiently walks a client through a solution.  In the business operations team that keeps the engine running behind the scenes.  In the quiet moments when someone says, “I’ve got this,” so someone else can breathe. Those actions may feel routine in the moment, but they build something powerful over time: trust, pride, and a culture where people know they matter. Employee Appreciation Day is simply a reminder of what we already know. Sprezzatura’s greatest strength has always been its people. So today, we want to say thank you. Thank you for the expertise you bring to your work.  Thank you for the integrity you bring to our clients.  Thank you for the care you show to one another. Because of you, Sprezzatura continues to grow, deliver, and make an impact.   If you have a moment today, consider reaching out to a colleague who has helped you recently. A quick note of appreciation can go a long way, and recognition is something that makes our entire community stronger. To every member of the Sprezzatura team: we appreciate you, and we’re grateful you’re here.   

In February, the OMEGA Contract team wrapped up a fabulous PI Planning Event. The Digital Transformation Center (DTC) PaaS Leadership, Service Managers, Workstream Leads and team members met for a few days, which led to one of their strongest planning events to date! Below is the recap provided by the OMEGA Communications team – Whitney Spangler Finch & Riley Mosby.  The tone was clear from the start: prepared, aligned, and focused on impact. Across teams, several themes stood out: Stronger Preparation The level of pre-work and engagement ahead of the session elevated the quality of planning. Complex initiatives were translated into clear, actionable priorities. Forced Ranking = Clear Focus The forced ranking exercise sharpened alignment. Instead of everything feeling urgent, we collectively clarified what truly matters most this PI. The result is confidence that we are working the right initiatives at the right time. Process Discipline Teams are leveraging established SOPs, structured task qualifications, and tools within Power BI to ensure due dates and deliverables are grounded in clarity. The emphasis is shifting from reactive heroics to intentional execution. Efficient, Impactful Planning Leadership noted that these events are becoming more concise without sacrificing completeness. We are spending more time on high-impact initiatives and less time circling low-value noise. Leadership Reflections • Mission first. People always. The work we do directly impacts Veterans, and it takes engaged, supported teams to accomplish it. • Preparation matters. Pre-session engagement made this planning event exceptional. • Prioritization protects teams. Clear qualification of work prevents burnout and reduces the need for “heroic” efforts. • Challenge the status quo. We honor our history but remain open to better ways forward. Looking Ahead This PI Planning session reflects a team that is growing in maturity and confidence. We are aligning faster, planning smarter, and executing with greater clarity. When everything runs smoothly, the effort behind it often goes unnoticed. But it takes rigor, preparation, and collaboration to make that smooth execution possible. Thank you to every workstream and every contributor who continues to move the mission forward. - Sprezzatura

This month, Sprezzatura truly SPREZZed the love – both virtually and in office – with our Gratitude Grams! What started as a simple act of kindness quickly turned into something even bigger. Our employees showed up with full hearts, thoughtful words, and genuine appreciation for each other. Human connection is something we deeply value at Sprezzatura. In a hybrid and virtual work environment, meaningful moments of connection don’t always happen organically, and that’s why creating intentional opportunities like these matters. Don’t worry – there’s science to back this up! The Harvard Study of Adult Development has found that positive relationships are one of the strongest predictors of long-term happiness, health, and resilience. Even small moments of appreciation can lower stress levels, improve moods, and strengthen the sense of belonging. As we continue to build our culture, moments like these reinforce why we make space for connection in our company. Because when we lead with kindness and gratitude, everyone benefits – hearts, health, and teamwork included! #SprezztheLove #Culture #Community