Interview: Pinnacle Awards Winner Chris Katkocin
Chris Katkocin, the 2024 Pinnacle Awards Healthcare Executive of the Year, Private Company, shares key achievements, career advice, and more.
Professional Headshot of Chris Katkocin, Tria Federal's Senior Vice President, Military and Veteran Health.
Chris Katkocin, the 2024 Pinnacle Awards Healthcare Executive of the Year, Private Company, shares key achievements, career advice, and more.

Q: What key achievements did you have in 2024?

As president of Tria Federal’s Advisory business unit, I am thrilled that our team has received exceptional Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPARs) on all eligible work this year. We’ve also exceeded gross margin goals for the company and maintained an employee turnover rate of less than 10 percent, beating the industry average. Not only have we performed well on our existing work, but my unit has also won all our recent contract recompetes. Additionally, we have won new work this year within the Veterans Health Administration and are providing support to new offices, including the National Neurology Program Office.

Q: What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?

Through my experience, I’ve found that having a thick skin and the ability to learn from my mistakes has been invaluable in navigating challenging situations. It’s crucial to recognize that success is not achieved alone; having a supportive team is essential. The strength of my team has been a key factor in helping both our clients and colleagues succeed. By working together, we elevate each other and drive success.

I’ve also learned that engaging with the broader organization is critical at every level. It’s important to step back from day-to-day tasks, understand the big picture, and build genuine relationships with both colleagues and clients. This approach is fundamental to long-term success.

Q: Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?

As Tria continues to evolve in 2025, my team will shift from focusing exclusively on creating repeatable processes and building brand awareness, to creating opportunities for brand differentiation. Today, the govcon space is crowded with companies that look and sound the same because they offer similar services to government and don’t have to entice mass market audiences. But that reality only elevates the critical importance of developing a distinctive brand and voice for Tria. We must stand out not just because we look and sound good, but because we speak uniquely and creatively to the needs of federal government decision-makers. As they struggle to balance their everyday responsibilities with a desire to future-proof government in a time of rapid technological change, we want to be at their side.

You can read the full interview here.

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