Lisa Wetzel, MHR
Lisa Wetzel, MHR, is an inspirational and transformative leader with over 25 years of experience driving operational excellence, innovation, and organizational optimization across both private organizations and the Federal Government. A U.S. Army veteran and certified Scrum Master, Lisa is known for her dynamic, collaborative leadership style, emphasizing empowerment, appreciation, and development of her teams. She holds a BA in Political Science from American University and a Master’s in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in business administration. Her career is distinguished by her ability to lead enterprise operations, organizational change management, and business development initiatives that capture billions in Federal contract awards. As the founder and CEO of Vikint Inc., Lisa leads a vibrant WOSB and SDVOSB team dedicated to optimizing technical services and business operations. She specializes in government contracting while combining executive oversight with hands-on operational expertise. Known for her forward-thinking approach, Lisa has pioneered innovative solutions such as ESSENCE, a digitalization solution designed to streamline collaboration, reporting, and change management across organizations in weeks, not months. Her prior roles include executive leadership positions where she drove federal initiatives, market positioning, and organizational growth. Beyond her professional achievements, Lisa is a space enthusiast, avid cyclist, and home interior designer, who treasures creating new memories with family and friends. She began her career in communications as a radio DJ, a foundation that shaped her creative and people-focused approach to leadership. Passionate about learning and discovery, she balances her demanding career—often working 12–14 hour days—with regular workouts and continued professional development, embodying a philosophy of curiosity, collaboration, and transformative impact.
• University of Oklahoma - MHR
• AFCEA
• ACT-IAC
• Air & Space Forces Association
• National Space Society
• Women in Defense
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family and the guidance of God. Through His direction, opportunities have opened that I could not have achieved on my own, and His guidance continues to shape my journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never be afraid to pursue anything that excites me. No matter what path I choose, I should not let anyone deter me from chasing my dreams.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to be fearless and unafraid to forge their own paths. If something feels right in your heart, pursue it wholeheartedly and let the results follow naturally.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is maintaining competency across generations. Some members of the older generation can be resistant to embracing new technologies and modern approaches, while certain younger professionals may assume they know more than their more experienced colleagues. Navigating and bridging these differences can be a significant challenge—but it also presents an opportunity to foster collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning across the workforce.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, accountability, and compassion. These principles guide my decisions, interactions, and the way I strive to make a positive impact on others.