Michelle Smith

Acting Vice President of Program Operations at Aquia

Michelle is the acting Vice President of Program Operations at Aquia, ensuring program delivery across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and state and local programs.

In this role, she leads the program management organization, driving best practices across program strategy and execution, risk and opportunity management, change management, financial and key performance indicator delivery, and customer success.

Prior to joining Aquia, Michelle spent over 15 years in government program and project management, most recently as Director of Programs at Ad Hoc LLC, where she led a diverse portfolio supporting the VA's Office of Information and Technology. Earlier in her career, she served as Senior Program Manager and Head of the PMO for BAE Systems' F-35 Sustainment program and held project control and program management roles supporting DynCorp International's LOGCAP IV contract, building deep expertise in earned value management, risk and opportunity management, and contract compliance across federal contracts.

Michelle holds an MBA from the University of North Texas and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP), Prosci Certified Change Practitioner (CCP), and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. She is passionate about building high-performing program management organizations that pair genuine accountability with lean, practical processes to maximize value and outcomes that impact people every day. That passion is what continues to draw her to mission-driven programs and organizations.

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys hiking and biking with her husband and dogs, live sports and music, and spending quality time adventuring with family and friends.