Federal 100 winner: Leslie Steele

Leslie Steele
Founder and chief executive officer
InterImage

Steele's company has grown from a start-up to a $15 million information technology provider in just 12 years. At the same time, she has been a thought leader and strong voice at IAC for industry/government cooperation.

As only the second woman and small-business owner to serve as IAC chair, Steele re-energized membership and enhanced the organization’s impact and ability to serve its members.

David Wennergren, chief information officer at the Defense Department, has worked closely with Steele in various associations, including IAC. “She has had incredible energy and been a thought leader in improving the dialogue and alignment of government and the IT industry,” he said. “Her devotion to the cause of aligning and improving industry — government relations has been extremely valuable.”