Architecting Mission-Driven Growth from the Ground Up

When Dr. Lisa Wertz took on the growth function in 2023, she stepped into a blank slate—an opportunity to architect a growth function from the ground up. But Lisa brought more than technical acumen. She brought a mission-first mindset shaped by personal and professional ties to service.

A systems thinker by training and a problem-solver by nature, Lisa’s background in higher education and organizational design equipped her to help scale a fast-growing Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). “Growth should never be about volume for volume’s sake,” she explains. “It’s about creating the conditions to do more good, more effectively.”

That guiding principle took root from day one. Initially a team of one, Lisa built STEERBRIDGE’s growth infrastructure—from proposal systems and content libraries to knowledge management and cross-functional alignment. Today, she leads a five-person team driving STEERBRIDGE’s strategic expansion.

Her leadership thrives in a culture of trust. “What made this work possible was the environment Rob Schroder built,” Lisa reflects. “At STEERBRIDGE, you’re empowered to take ownership, adapt thoughtfully, and always center the mission.”

Lisa’s journey began through a Hiring Our Heroes fellowship in 2021 . “At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction to take with my PMP and systems background—until Marisol from STEERBRIDGE saw something in me. She opened the door.”

Since then, Lisa has steered the company through transformative milestones, including new contract wins with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Treasury, and the U.S. Marine Corps. Her team played a central role in delivering what she proudly calls the “summer miracles”—a series of concurrent wins that underscored STEERBRIDGE’s growing impact.

Looking ahead, Lisa is optimistic and focused. “The wheels are in motion. With a team that’s clear on roles, flexible in execution, and aligned on purpose, we’re ready to scale responsibly. Every contract is a chance to serve—and that’s why we’re here.”

Lisa’s work exemplifies the leadership STEERBRIDGE strives for: adaptive, mission-driven, and rooted in integrity. Through her efforts, growth becomes more than a metric—it becomes a force for meaningful change.