Sheila McFerran
Vice President – Enterprise Solutions Line of Business, Koniag Government Services
Born and educated in Dublin, Ireland, Sheila McFerran came to Huntsville, Ala. in 1980 to work for a local IT company. She became a successful Business Development executive with over 35 years of professional experience in developing and implementing effective strategies and business operations, leading successful capture, and compelling proposals.
Throughout her 42 years in the Huntsville/Madison area, she has always been committed to volunteerism, supporting charitable events, and improving the quality of life for those that need it most. Knowing it is possible to change the trajectory of someone’s life through working for and supporting these charities has a huge impact on her life. She is a graduate of Leadership Huntsville/Madison County Class 4 and Flagship Class 19. She believes this benefited her most in her career, knowing how each pillar supports our government.
She is proudest of being a wife, mother of two sons and two daughters, and Mimi to five grandchildren. “I accomplished a lot over my 37-year career, knowing success is not final, failure is not fatal, but it’s the courage to continue that counts.”
How did your entrepreneurial spirit affect your work and family?
My entrepreneurial spirit was a definite asset in my professional life since it helped me approach each job as a learning experience that led to success. I believe it was helpful in my family life as it helped me stay focused and organized to balance my professional and personal spaces.
How did your early life in Ireland contribute to your career and life?
As the youngest of six children, my parents clearly advocated and supported scholastic achievements combined with healthy and active lifestyle. I was a competitive Irish Step Dancer and athlete throughout my life and continue an active routine of running a 5k followed by yoga. My values to remember the yesterdays, look for the tomorrow but live for your today is essential in my life.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the people, their culture, and overall leaderships engagement with staff. Their experience and capabilities in Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services and Operations Management are first class. They are experiencing phenomenal growth with the Department of Defense (DoD) that enables me to leverage my expertise in business development and operations in the Huntsville market to broaden their portfolio.
How do you feel having mentors and being a mentor yourself have affected your path?
Having effective mentors during each stage of my career is the most important factor in my professional life. Academic learning is a good base, but nothing tops hands-on experience. Being a mentor is very gratifying to pass on wisdom and knowledge to students and support their successful careers.
What’s your favorite thing about living in the Huntsville/Madison County area?
My favorite thing about living in the Huntsville/Madison area is the quality of life here. We have a cosmopolitan experience, southern charm, low cost of living, and great outdoor recreational opportunities.
What is your company’s mission statement?
Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Owned Corporation (ANC) supporting the values and traditions of its Native communities through an agile employee and corporate culture that delivers Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services, and Operations Management to Federal Government Agencies. KGS applies its proven technical, professional, and operational solutions to enable successful mission outcomes for Defense and Civilian agencies through forward-leaning, solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery. For more information, visit www.koniag-gs.com.
Do you have a favorite quote about powerful or strong women you’d like to share?
My trademark: Your smile is your logo. Your personality is your business card. How you leave others feeling after they met you is your trademark.
Sheila King McFerran
256.653.1104