Karen Smith-Brown, MS, PMP, CSM, PSPO I, ITIL4
Karen Smith-Brown, MS, PMP, CSM, PSPO I, ITIL4, is a seasoned Senior Program Manager at ManTech with nearly three decades of experience in Department of Defense contracting. Currently serving in a senior leadership capacity, she oversees multimillion-dollar programs and drives operational excellence across complex government initiatives. Known for her results-oriented mindset and strong execution skills, Karen has successfully led large-scale teams, managed budgets exceeding $94 million, and played a key role in growing organizations from small contracting units to enterprises of more than 700 employees.
Throughout her career, Karen has held leadership roles with respected defense and IT organizations, including General Dynamics and SMS Data Products Group, Inc., where she advanced from administrative leadership into high-impact program and project management positions. Recognized as a decisive problem-solver, she once resolved a critical contract issue within two days that ultimately preserved a major government contract for several years. Her expertise spans program and project management, implementation strategy, operational planning, compliance, process improvement, and people-focused leadership. She holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Troy University in Montgomery and a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Troy University, along with multiple professional certifications including PMP, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I), and ITIL4.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Karen is a licensed minister with the Church of God in Christ and a published author. She released her inspirational book, Reposition, Adam, Where Are You?, on her 50th birthday, sharing faith-based insights and personal growth principles. Deeply committed to service, she volunteers with food banks in Pineapple, Alabama, supports holiday outreach efforts for families in need, and remains actively involved in church ministry. In her personal time, Karen enjoys sewing, decorating cakes, and cherishing moments with her children and grandchildren, reflecting her strong belief in faith, family, and purposeful leadership.
• Professional Scrum Product Owner™ I (PSPO I)
• Professional Scrum Product Owner I
• Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®)
• ITIL4
• Security +, A +, Project +
• Troy University in Montgomery - M.S.
• Church of God in Christ as Licensed Minister
• Food Banks
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God and the very good mentors I've had in my life. My faith has been everything for me. I can't do without Him, because without Him, I am nothing. God has guided me and provided for me, and He continues to do so. He's put some good people in my path, some very good mentors, whether in the public sector or the private sector. But I would count it as my faith. My faith has been that for me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is that influence isn't about how many people you work with. It's about how many people are better because they work with you. Do what you can, because I believe in servitude. I'm a servant. I believe in service and in giving back to the community. And when something good happens to you, pay it forward. That's my thing.
Locations
ManTech
Huntsville, AL 35806