It is with mixed emotions that The Coalition for Government Procurement announces the retirement of Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Tom Sisti. The Coalition welcomed Tom to the team in 2019, where he immediately enhanced our domain expertise through his strategic insights and comprehensive knowledge of procurement issues. Prior to joining the Coalition, Tom served as Vice President & Chief Legislative Counsel for SAP America. We were fortunate to leverage Tom’s expertise as a member while he worked at SAP, where he tirelessly showcased his commitment to supporting the Coalition’s mission of advancing “common sense in government procurement.” Tom’s illustrious career in the private sector also includes working with the Washington Management Group as Vice President for Law and Policy and with AT&T Government Solutions, where, as Senior Counsel, he supported civilian and defense business teams and served as a subject matter expert on government procurement policy issues.
In addition to his private sector experience, Tom also holds a distinguished career with the government. He began with the Government Accountability Office before serving as Chief Counsel to the then-GSA Board of Contract Appeals. Tom also was Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs (now Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs), chaired by John Glenn (D-OH), where he was lead staff counsel responsible for the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 and oversight counsel on major IT initiatives. Furthermore, he worked as Procurement Counsel detailed to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Operations (now Oversight and Reform), chaired by Jack Brooks (D-TX), where he supported the committee on IT oversight and legislative initiatives, such as the Procurement Integrity Act.
Tom’s list of achievements is extensive, as he has been recognized on numerous occasions for his work to advance public policy. He is a four-time recipient of the prestigious Federal Computer Week Federal 100 Award, which honors individuals from government, industry, and academia who go above and beyond to support federal IT missions. Tom has also been selected to serve on several procurement panels and in leadership positions for multiple industry associations, including the Coalition.
Tom’s contributions to advancing the federal procurement system are truly invaluable. His deep understanding of the intricacies of government procurement, combined with his forward-thinking approach, has played a crucial role in promoting fair and efficient procurement practices. Below are thoughts from Coalition President Roger Waldron and Chairman Bill Gormley.
Roger Waldron, Coalition President:
“As Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Tom has played a vital role in the Coalition’s continued success. His expertise as a lawyer and policy professional has been instrumental in shaping many of the organization’s strategies and advocating on behalf of our members. But beyond his professional contributions, I am happy to call Tom a true friend. For the better part of the last 15 years, I have been able to turn to Tom to provide not only keen analysis on procurement issues, but also support and friendship. His ability to offer both professional insights and personal encouragement has been invaluable to the Coalition, and his kindness, integrity, and positivity will leave a lasting impact on our professional and personal lives. I will miss Tom greatly and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Bill Gormley, Coalition Chairman and President of The Gormley Group:
“As Chairman of the Coalition, I have had the pleasure of working with Tom over the past several years. From the outset, Tom’s dedication and skillset were evident in every aspect of his work. It was clear that he always had the best interest of the Coalition’s members in mind and worked diligently to serve their needs and effectively communicate with government and industry stakeholders. Tom’s contributions to the Coalition and government procurement community are truly inspiring. Moreover, Tom has set a remarkable example for procurement professionals everywhere, embodying the highest standards of honesty, morality, and professionalism. I am grateful to know Tom both professionally and personally, and wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.”
Tom’s unwavering support for the Coalition has always been evident, through his time as a member and as Executive Vice President & General Counsel. His commitment, wisdom, and passion have left a lasting impact on our organization. As we bid farewell to Tom in his professional capacity, the Coalition extends our heartfelt gratitude for his years of service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement. Please join us in congratulating Tom on an outstanding career!