Director of National Security Named Finalist in WashingtonExec Pinnacle Awards

Navi Samra, MetroStar’s Director of National Security, is no stranger to excellence in leadership. As a finalist for the Pinnacle Awards for DHS Executive of the Year, Samra’s journey stands as a testament to her ability to lead, inspire, and solve some of the most complex challenges in national security. 

Samra is revered for her leadership style, marked by kindness, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Colleagues and team members quickly point out her calm demeanor under pressure.  

Her team describes her as “the proverbial duck on the water”—always steady and composed on the surface, even while managing the dynamic currents of her work beneath. This grace empowers her team to deliver results consistently, fostering a culture of celebrating ownership and initiative. 

Samra leads by example. She’s not just a director removed from the day-to-day operations but an active participant in client delivery. By working alongside her team members, she ensures they have the tools and confidence to exceed customer expectations. This hands-on commitment has been critical in maintaining MetroStar’s trusted partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where Samra supports the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Engineering Support for Identity Services (ESIS) contract. 

Her leadership on the ESIS project has been transformative. Samra has led the team through IT modernization efforts that have significantly enhanced USCIS's ability to process immigration benefits more efficiently. This commitment to advancing mission-critical objectives is showcased by a stellar performance review from the customer, earning her team strong CPAR ratings for consistently meeting high standards. 

Samra also actively fosters an environment of mentorship and empowerment. Her involvement in MetroStar’s annual International Women’s Day event exemplifies this dedication. In 2024, she mentored emerging industry leaders and facilitated an impactful discussion by bringing USCIS Immigration Records and Identity Services Associate Director Tammy Meckley into the conversation as a panelist. 

Her nomination as a Pinnacle Awards finalist is a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional contributions to the national security sector and her unwavering dedication to empowering those around her. 

Stay tuned on Nov. 21 via MetroStar’s LinkedIn to hear if Samra is selected as the DHS Executive of the Year by WashingtonExec. In the meantime, explore other leaders at MetroStar and their accomplishments here.