Kathleen Megan Maloney
Megan Maloney is a dynamic leader and problem solver in the IT project management and quality assurance space. As the CEO and Founder of Maloney and Associates, LLC, she specializes in transforming complex, chaotic IT implementations into successful, seamless project completions. Megan and her team dive deep to uncover root causes, redirect projects, and ensure clients achieve their desired outcomes efficiently and effectively. Her approach combines strategic foresight with hands-on management, ensuring that technology solutions go live without complications.
Before founding her own firm, Megan built an impressive career in management and consulting, including roles as Engagement Manager at Deloitte and Senior QA Manager for multiple high-profile projects, including work with the Florida Department of Corrections. Her expertise spans agile testing, cross-functional team leadership, and large-scale software implementations, including migrations to cloud platforms such as Azure, Salesforce, and Netsuite. Megan’s career is marked by her ability to balance strategic oversight with meticulous attention to operational details, turning complex challenges into actionable results.
Beyond her professional work, Megan is committed to community engagement, serving as 2nd Vice for the Baker County American Legion Post 83 and a board member for Friends of Baker County Animals. She holds an MBA from St. Leo University and continues to expand her knowledge through certifications like Program Management Foundations. Megan’s professional philosophy blends precision, resilience, and collaboration, making her a trusted partner for clients navigating high-stakes IT transformations.
• Program Management Foundations
• Saint Leo University- M.B.A.
• FAVOB
• SBA
• American Legion
• PMI
• American Legion, 2nd Vice
• Friends of Baker County Animals, Board
• Baker County Zoning
Commission
What do you attribute your success to?
The answer is always no if you don't ask. Sometimes we sit on the sidelines because it feels safer. For me, the sidelines were boring, put me in coach.
Every endeavor I choose to do matters. I think about the outcome and visualize what it will take to get there, then go about do. The secret in life is very easy - DOING REQUIRES DOING! Sometimes we hit it out on the first try, other times we have to pick ourselves up and keep moving. For me, how we get up after a fall is more important than how we win. Permanent failure is never an option.
The true secret to success is the team that surrounds me. Building the right team for the projects makes all the difference. I build teams with purpose, I set the culture for success. I believe with the right team and a great culture we can do anything.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When you need to take a break – DO IT! My first civilian boss; Stephanie Boston, taught me it is better to stay home when your body needs a break. Especially when you need a mental health break. As women we have emotions, sometimes we need to have a break and feel things. She told me it is better to miss a meeting than stay and regret what you said. It has been good advice. I make sure my teams know, its ok and preferred to take a day and take care of yourself than to ruin everyone’s day. Nobody is so critical they cannot afford to take a day off.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be authentic and be the best you! Starting a career in any industry can be overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Where you start is only the beginning, do not be afraid to take a position in your industry but not your ultimate goal – learn the ropes. Do the work you are assigned - and do it well. Help others when you can, ask for help when you need. Have grace and give grace. Contribute! Be Present! Set goals and exceed them!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In technology AI is both the challenge and the opportunity. AI is code, and code is always flawed. We are in a great race to adopt the technology which can be highly effective. However, we are in the J curve. We also must be aware that AI will save time and effort, it still takes a lot to get it up and running, and it needs human interaction to truly be the most effective. I see many organizations rushing to implement, the user experience is terrible as it is not ready for human consumption. It is about finding the right balance.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity and transparency. What you see is what you get. I say what I mean and mean what I say. I value truth. In my experience I have found I can solve problems if I understand or know about them. I strive to create an environment where people are safe to have disagreements, productive conflict is necessary in my life. We will not agree on all things in life, if the conversation is open, we will all be better off.