Women Are Paving the Way at Yorktown Systems Group

Despite representing nearly half of the U.S. labor force, women make up less than 30 percent of technology jobs and only five percent of senior leadership positions at tech-based companies.

Yorktown Systems Group takes those dismal stats and turns them on their head.

At Yorktown, women hold 53 percent of leadership roles, including executive level positions.

In fact, Yorktown’s total workforce is comprised of 60 percent women, which represents more than double the national average.

It’s a combination of talent, skills, and commitment to excellence that serve as distinguishing features. What’s more, Yorktown’s corporate culture is highly supportive of its employees at all levels, as well as its customers.

Yorktown was founded 10 years ago by retired Army Lt. Col. Bryan Dyer. For the past decade, Yorktown’s role has been to equip the warfighter with the tools needed for success out in the field. To make that happen, a high-caliber team is essential.

“Our focus has always been to build the best team possible with the most qualified applicants possible,” said Dyer. “Every person at Yorktown has worked hard for our clients while also playing a large role in enhancing our company culture. There is no ceiling for how successful one can be, and regardless of how we continue to grow, that will not change.”

Flexibility and a solid work-life balance has been pivotal for Dariam King, director of Information Technology. King attributes company’s culture as a key factor in her professional growth.

“Yorktown has provided the resources for me to expand my responsibilities within the organization, while providing the flexibility needed to support my husband’s role in the military,” said King. “Although I’ve moved across five states in six years, they’ve given me the opportunity to advance in my career.”

Yorktown’s leadership team provides an open-door policy and a collaborative environment for each team member, from executive leadership to entry-level personnel.

“The differentiator between Yorktown and its competitors is the environment the company creates for its employees,” said Heidi Alvey, deputy program manager for its Asymmetric Warfare Group.

“Yorktown demonstrates the same value and respect to their employees, clients and contractors.”

Suzanne Mathew, Yorktown’s chief financial officer, said Yorktown focuses on internal growth by providing ongoing training and mentorship opportunities. Weekly meetings among the executives help ensure all employees have resources for success.

In the beginning, Dyer recruited Nancy Acquavella, a former colleague. He said her solid work ethic and big-picture view of the importance of a supportive work culture has been key in Yorktown’s organizational success.

As Yorktown’s chief administrative officer, Acquavella is charged with building on what’s already been in place for a decade.

“Everyone on our team is equally important to the success of the company,” said Acquavella, “As we’ve transitioned from a small firm to a leading partner for the federal government, we’ve recognized diversity of thinking as the main asset that has set us apart from others; this will continue to fuel growth and has allowed our team to shape the organization in ways we never could have imagined.”

For more information, visit ysginc.com