Jean Taylor, PMP, ITIL, CSM
Jean Taylor is the President and Founder of SparkWorks LLC, a Bethesda-based firm specializing in capture management for large-scale IT government contracts, particularly within the defense and aerospace sectors. With more than 40 years of experience spanning government, consulting, and private-sector contracting, Jean is widely recognized for her ability to align strategy, people, and execution to drive successful outcomes. She works closely with clients to develop winning capture strategies, strengthen communication styles, and navigate the complexities of government procurement with confidence and clarity. Prior to founding SparkWorks, Jean held senior leadership roles across the federal contracting landscape, including positions at SAIC, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, IntelliDyne, Citizant, and Millennium Corporation. Her career includes directing business development efforts across the Intelligence and Security sectors and managing major government-wide acquisition contracts such as DHS Eagle and NITAAC CIO-SP3. Jean holds a Master of Science in Computer Systems Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Indiana University Bloomington. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master. Jean’s professional philosophy centers on the belief that relationships drive revenue and that success comes from clarity, communication, and courage. Known as a trusted mentor and coach, she views mentorship as a responsibility and is deeply committed to developing the next generation of leaders in her industry. Beyond her professional work, Jean is an active supporter of the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. She values work-life balance and maintains an active lifestyle, enjoying cycling—including multiple completed 100-mile rides—along with hiking, swimming, and snorkeling.
• Certified Scrum Master
• University of Maryland Global Campus - MS
• SAIC Leadership Award
• Project Management Institute (PMI)
• American Cancer Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to understanding people, building strong relationships, and intentionally surrounding myself with driven, successful individuals. I believe that when relationships are prioritized and nurtured with authenticity and trust, financial success follows naturally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to focus on people first. Understanding how others think, communicate, and operate is the foundation of strong leadership and long-term success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be fearless. Don’t shrink from conflict or allow yourself to be diminished—especially in male-dominated spaces. Stand your ground, speak up with confidence, and advocate for yourself when necessary. Resilience, self-belief, and strength are not optional; they are essential.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in my field today include government instability, administrative inefficiencies, and a diminished emphasis on diplomacy. At the same time, meaningful opportunities are emerging as shifts in government leadership and personnel reduce cronyism and create a more level playing field. These changes are opening doors for small and emerging businesses to compete more fairly and transparently in government contracting.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, courage, accountability, and respect. I believe in standing up for myself and others, leading with integrity, and maintaining honest, direct communication. These principles guide my decisions, shape my leadership, and define how I show up in both business and life.