MetroStar People and Culture Leader Named NOVA 40 Under 40 Honoree

RESTON, Va—Thurs., March 14, 2024 — MetroStar is proud to announce that Debbie Peterson, SVP of People & Culture, is a 2024 Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 honoree.

The Leadership Center for Excellence and Leadership Fairfax chooses individuals for this honor who have demonstrated exceptional and impactful leadership in their professional and personal spheres.

Throughout her decade-plus tenure with MetroStar, Peterson has served in various capacities, including proposals, marketing, and as Chief of Staff. Under her leadership, she has helped MetroStar navigate periods of hyper-growth by maturing the organization's people strategy to provide clear career plans, improved access to mental and physical health resources, and a renewed commitment to the DEI&B strategy and accountability.

"This award is a reminder that no dream is too big and no challenge too daunting when met with determination and dedication," said Peterson. "I hope others who have similar paths to my own will dare to pursue their ambitions fearlessly. Together, let's continue to break barriers, defy expectations, and make a meaningful difference in the world." 

Peterson is dedicated to the well-being of all MetroStar employees. She has used feedback from surveys and outreach groups to prioritize wellness and work-life balance. These insights have led to virtual and in-person wellness activities and initiatives, such as fitness challenges, mindfulness programs, and workshops on stress management and resilience.

She has also ensured that mental and financial health programs were generously funded during benefits open enrollment, including virtual care services, more Employee Assistance Program (EAP) access, and a more robust 401k and Health Savings Account (HSA) plan. 

"Debbie's dedication, innovation, and leadership have propelled her to this achievement that inspires our team. Her achievement is not only well-deserved but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for our entire team," said Ali Reza Manouchehri, MetroStar's Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "Debbie embodies the essence of empathetic leadership, possessing a rare ability to navigate challenges with a perspective that seamlessly bridges the gap between employee and management viewpoints. Her journey over the past decade has been nothing short of awe-inspiring, and I'm truly privileged to have witnessed her growth firsthand."

To ensure employee growth, Peterson worked with MetroStar's leaders to design an employee journey map, career lattice, and talent mobility program that enables employees to experience new, internal career opportunities. She also designed a leadership learning program that focuses on equipping people leaders with modern tools and approaches to lead a dynamic and diverse technology workforce.

Under her leadership, the company also acknowledges and commemorates important cultural and heritage months, such as Black History Month, Women's History Month, and Pride Month. During these times, MetroStar organizes awareness campaigns, educational sessions, and cultural celebrations to highlight the contributions and experiences of different communities.

The 2024 Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 honorees will be celebrated during a virtual event on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and later that evening, at an in-person reception for honorees only.

About MetroStar 

 Founded in 1999, MetroStar has spent over two decades dedicated to transforming the public sector through innovative technology solutions. As we navigate a new era of technology, our mission is to empower government agencies with the tools and strategies needed to meet today's challenges while preparing for tomorrow's opportunities. Focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital experience, application modernization, and Enterprise IT, we have established ourselves as a key partner in driving digital transformation, supporting dozens of federal agencies, hundreds of thousands of users, and millions of Americans. 

About Leadership Center for Excellence and Leadership Fairfax

The mission of the Leadership Center for Excellence is to connect, develop, and inspire leaders for personal growth, civic engagement, and community impact. For more information, visit leadercenter.org or call (703) 528-2522.