Holly Dague

I went to college thinking I wanted to go into healthcare administration and run a hospital, but after I graduated, I found out I really needed to go up the medical avenue, like either be a nurse or doctor who worked their way up. I actually worked for the federal government as a budget analyst, and then I became a stay-at-home mom. Then I went through a very unexpected divorce that kind of defined who I became, and I was bound and determined to work my way back into something worthwhile. I discovered my love for project management and started in a Strategic Planning Office. Then I took a stepping stone to work for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, where I managed multiple medical programs, and that was where I found my true passion. I've worked my way up from there, moving jobs every 3 or so years to advance, because I couldn't just sit and wait for a job to open. When I got to Potomac Wave, there was something - a little bell went off that it was a very ethical company, women-owned, and our CEO is a woman. It's just very professional, and I was like, this is where I want to stay. I'm dual-hatted now because I am a project manager on the EIT PMO, but I'm also a director of defense health, which means ultimately building a portfolio of government projects. My typical day involves tons of emails, one-on-ones with everybody on my team where they can talk about whatever they need, various meetings including monthly business reviews and product reviews, helping people think more strategically, and continuous process improvement. I also work with VPs and product leads across our company to help ensure they are growing, covering topics like interviewing skills or how to read a contract. Our company is very big in transferring skills and promoting from within. I assist with business development, working on proposals or identifying opportunities. My most notable achievement has been being promoted to the director role - I never expected to get to that level, especially starting my work life all over again in my 40s.