Q&A: Introduction to Brian Vanderhoof, Chief Growth Officer at Makpar

With more than three decades of experience in the government innovation arena, Brian Vanderhoof joined Makpar last fall as the company’s Chief Growth Officer. He brings deep knowledge in government IT and has a strong vision and roadmap for enhancing the company’s growth.

To officially introduce Brian to Makpar’s ecosystem of government customers, partners, and employees, we recently sat down with him to get his take on why he joined the company and gain his perspective on overall government IT trends.

The following conversation has been edited for length.

Q: Please tell us about your background.

I’ve been in the industry for over 30 years, supporting businesses of all sizes in the federal IT space. My career spans various sectors, with a focus on health and human services, which has made up about 75 percent of my work. I’ve had the privilege of working with agencies like the FDA, NIH, CMS, and others, providing solutions that make a real difference.

My experience at the National Cancer Institute, contributing to cancer research, and at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, addressing infectious diseases, was especially meaningful. That sense of purpose – knowing our technology solutions were directly improving lives – was incredibly fulfilling.

On the civilian side, the work has been about driving efficiencies, meeting objectives, and checking boxes, which is important and rewarding in its own way. But the health-focused projects resonated with me personally because they felt more impactful on a human level.

Q: Tell us about your role at Makpar.

As Chief Growth Officer at Makpar, my goal is to lead the company’s transformation from a woman-owned small business and 8(a) firm into a competitive, large organization within the next two years. To achieve this, we’ve set ambitious targets, aiming for $45 million in revenue within three years and $300 million by 2034.

To reach these goals, I’m building a strong growth team, including business developers, capture managers, solution architects, and more, to drive future opportunities and craft a compelling “why Makpar” story. We’re focused on three core capabilities: data, cybersecurity, and application development, ensuring that we deliver the expertise needed to stand out in a competitive market.

Ultimately, my role is to position Makpar for sustained growth while staying true to our vision and values.

Q: Why did you choose to work at Makpar?

I joined Makpar for several reasons, starting with the company’s genuine commitment to growth. I thrive on continuous development, and the leadership here, especially at the executive level, is truly dedicated to growing the business, which excited me.

Another key factor was my time interviewing with Kaamil Khan, the recently appointed President of Makpar. He brought the right energy and realistic expectations, and from the start, he allowed me to help shape our direction. Four months in, it’s been a great experience. We’ve built a strong relationship where I can share my thoughts, and even when we disagree, I always feel my perspective is valued.

Lastly, Makpar’s family-oriented culture was a big factor for joining the company. Unlike many organizations that merely state their values, here the mission and culture are genuinely lived out in everything we do. The collaborative environment reduces stress and allows everyone to focus on producing meaningful results. This alignment with the company’s values is a key reason why I’m excited to be here.

Q: Where do you think IT modernization in government is headed?

The biggest challenge in this industry is the rapid pace of technological evolution. In the federal government, solutions can become outdated in just a year, as new, more efficient, secure, and automated methods emerge. Staying ahead of that curve is tough.

Another challenge is the federal government's budget constraints. Unlike commercial organizations with more flexibility, the government must do more with less, which requires creativity to maximize impact without overspending.

One of the biggest differentiators today is the speed of innovation. Unlike upgrading from one iPhone model to the next, some government solutions continue to perform well even as newer technologies emerge. However, in areas like AI, the pace of innovation is hard to ignore.

AI is currently the most pressing technology challenge. Its widespread use across sectors raises important questions about quality, content validation, security, and effectiveness. As AI becomes more integrated, managing it effectively and training people to adapt will be critical.

Q: Any personal information about yourself you would like share with our readers?

That’s a tough question, but I’ll give it a try! My kids are 25 and 22 now, and we enjoy traveling together, exploring new cities, experiencing local cultures, and trying different foods. I also value downtime, which I appreciate about this organization – it encourages taking breaks to recharge.

On the charitable side, I’m involved with Roc Nasty Crew, a group of lifelong friends from high school. We were pioneers of breakdancing in the DC metro area, traveling and competing in events.

A couple of years ago, we created RocNastyCrew.com as a platform to give back to the community, especially to those passionate about the arts. It’s a space for sharing creative work, from painting to dancing, with a nostalgic nod to breakdancing and ‘80s culture.

Beyond that, I’m a big sports fan, and of course, I love traveling, discovering new cultures, and trying new foods. It’s all about adventure for me.

We would like to thank Brian for taking the time to speak with us, and officially welcome him to the Makpar team!