Taking the Reins: Stan Soloway
President, Professional Services Council, Arlington, Va.
President, Professional Services Council, Arlington, Va.
Position:First day on the new job: Jan. 2Age: 47Hometown: BostonHome now: Washington (Capitol Hill)Family: Married 22 years to wife Kathy, a clinical social worker; three daughters: Mollie, 18; Anna, 15; Sonya, 11Most recently read book: "Hart's War" by John Katzenbach and "Maverick: The Success Story Behind the World's Most Unusual Workplace" by Ricardo Semler Favorites:
Actors: Kevin Spacey, Anthony Hopkins, Meryl Streep
Artist: Kevin Wolff
Hobbies: Music, sports (hiking, soccer, football, basketball)
Music/CD/artist: Sarah McLachlan, Wynton Marsalis, Van Morrison, Bela Fleck, Quartetto Gelato, Vivaldi
Restaurants: La Lomita, Il Radicchio
Vacation spot: A house on Lake Armington in the White Mountains of New HampshireQuote: "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." ? Charles DarwinBest career advice you ever received:
"It can best be summarized by the following things always stressed to me by my father: Do whatever you do with passion and commitment; don't be afraid to take risks or change paths; in the end, your personal ethics are your most lasting legacy."Education:
Bachelor of arts, political science, Denison University, Granville, Ohio
Elected to National Men's Leadership, National Political Science and National Journalism HonorariesCareer Background:
Deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition reform, and director of the Defense Reform Initiative, March 1998 to January 2001.Twenty-plus years as a public affairs, public policy and political consultant; first with the Washington firm of Smith & Harroff, later self-employed for 17 years; clients interests included a wide range of issues, from energy and the environment to outsourcing, privatization and government acquisition.Also served for much of the same time as vice president of Video Events International, a Boston-based television and film production company. Here, produced or developed television and film projects for national and international television, including the PBS series of occasional specials, "Great Confrontations at the Oxford Union," and the syndicated cable special "After The Handshake: The Israel/PLO Accords," moderated by Marvin Kalb.Regarding PSC's service to the federal government, what do you see as your first order of business?"In addition to getting to know each of the member companies and their businesses, the first order of business is to ensure that PSC is positioned to optimize its role as both an advocate and a resource for the government services industry and the customers it serves. The bottom line is that with the explosion of the government service economy, the challenges for government and industry are many, varied and often complex. I think PSC is well-positioned as the leader in helping to find solutions and facilitate the best possible business environment; the key is to capitalize on that potential."What is the biggest change for you in taking this new role?"The biggest impact is that it is nice to have my life back. As for substantive change, I am really returning to the world I left three years ago, so it is not unfamiliar territory."
Stan Soloway
"It can best be summarized by the following things always stressed to me by my father: Do whatever you do with passion and commitment; don't be afraid to take risks or change paths; in the end, your personal ethics are your most lasting legacy."
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