Her Story
About Maryann
Maryann Singer built a 27-year career in federal government IT and contracting, working as a systems analyst, project manager, and internal consultant for agencies such as the General Accounting Office, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, the Army Criminal Investigation Command, GSA, and FedSim. Over the course of her service, she oversaw multi-million-dollar contracts, guided agencies through complex acquisition processes, and was honored with the Fed 100 Award for being named among the nation's top 100 federal IT professionals by Computer News. Her path into this field began with her service in the Army as an administrative clerk, after which she used the GI Bill to fund her education, ultimately earning both a bachelor's degree in business and a master's degree in information systems from Texas A&M University.
Following her retirement from federal service, Singer spent several years as an independent consultant, helping small and disadvantaged 8(a) businesses navigate disputes with federal agencies, clarify billing practices, and strengthen compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations. She also authored a textbook for the Army titled Learning Information Resource Management, drawing on her deep expertise in systems analysis and technical training. Her professional philosophy centers on listening closely to clients and colleagues, conducting thorough 360-degree assessments of an organization's needs, and positioning herself as a practical bridge between technical teams and functional stakeholders rather than a competitor to specialists in either camp.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Singer has dedicated time to volunteer work that reflects her analytical strengths and commitment to community impact, including preparing a detailed 27-page report on organizational shortfalls for a mental health clubhouse and later serving as a technology volunteer teaching Microsoft software skills to individuals with mental illness to support their job readiness. She credits her success to persistence and grit, values ethical conduct and lifelong learning, and encourages young women entering IT and federal contracting to seize every opportunity, pursue relevant education, and build strong professional networks. Outside of her career, she finds fulfillment spending time with her dog and her grandchildren.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maryann
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to pure grit. I came from a military background, having served in the Army as an admin clerk, and I knew I wanted to achieve more. When I left the service, I started with a low-level civil service job, but the GI Bill allowed me to finance my education through a master's degree, which gave me a solid foundation for the rest of my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was to listen and observe. When you're brought into an organization to conduct an analysis, you have to perform a full, 360-degree review of what's happening. It's not enough to rely only on what people tell you directly — you also have to trust your instincts to recognize what isn't being said.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to take advantage of any opportunity that helps them get their foot in the door. Continue your education while working in government, since this can open doors to move into different roles. Make sure you pursue the right degree, build relationships with people who can support your growth, and maintain a strong federal resume.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field today is a workforce that doesn't yet understand how to work with AI. Many professionals have strong foundational skills, but AI systems now require a more sophisticated approach to analytical thinking — you have to know how to direct the AI effectively and then evaluate whether the results actually work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Ethics, staying true to what makes me happy, and never losing sight of my goals are the values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally. Once you find your niche in a field like IT, you have to pursue it fully. You may need to take on a few different roles along the way to reach where you want to be — treat each one as a stepping stone, and never lose sight of your objective.
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