Pete Rodriguez, Victory Solutions
As chief technology officer at Victory Solutions, Pete Rodriguez is especially proud of the company successfully winning a recompete that continues its work supporting Marshall Space Flight Center.
It wasn’t just about winning a contract, he said. It was a statement about Victory Solutions’ ability to keep evolving, innovating and delivering value.
Rodriguez is a finalist for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards in the Private & Public Company Space Executive of the Year category. The event takes place live June 2.
In this spotlight, he discusses Victory Solutions’ ongoing legacy of providing support to the space center, the company’s focus on leveraging their reputation to establish and strengthen strategic partnerships across the aerospace industry, and his belief in reminding his team that they are part of something larger than themselves.
What key achievements did you have in 2025/2026?
One of our most significant achievements in 2025/2026 was successfully leading and developing the winning proposal for the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Configuration and Data Management (CDM) contract. This opportunity was particularly meaningful because we have served as the incumbent for the past 14 years, building a strong legacy of performance and trusted partnership with NASA.
Winning the contract was not simply about retaining existing work. It was about demonstrating our continued ability to evolve, innovate and deliver value in support of critical national missions. The win reflected the dedication and expertise of our team, our deep understanding of customer requirements, and our commitment to mission success.
Maintaining the confidence of a customer over a 14-year period requires consistently delivering results, adapting to changing needs and continuously raising the bar on performance. This achievement reinforced both the strength of our team and the trust we have built through years of execution excellence.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those important to the mission?
My primary focus moving forward is to leverage our strong reputation and exceptional past performance as a government prime contractor to establish and strengthen long-term strategic partnerships across the aerospace industry. Building enduring relationships with successful industry partners expands opportunities, increases collaboration and ultimately strengthens our ability to support increasingly complex missions.
Equally important is maintaining the level of excellence our customers have come to expect from us and preserving the trust we have earned over time. Trust is built through consistent performance, accountability and a commitment to delivering quality results.
I also strongly believe in continuously reminding our team that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. We are not simply supporting a contract or completing tasks, we are contributing to a broader mission that impacts people, technology and our nation’s future. When individuals understand and embrace that shared purpose, it creates stronger teams, better collaboration and a clearer path through challenges, decisions and differing perspectives.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Leadership positions come with both authority and responsibility, but it is important to understand the difference between the two. The responsibility is always yours; however, the authority belongs to the chair you sit in, it belongs to the position itself and is only entrusted to you for a period of time.
Never confuse personal influence with positional authority. Use the authority of your role thoughtfully, fairly and with humility because the impact of your decisions extends beyond yourself. Strong leaders understand that leadership is not about power; it is about stewardship, service and creating opportunities for others to succeed. The title eventually goes away, but the way you lead people and treat others is what remains.
What is something about you that most people do not know?
Many people may not know that my love of music, singing and dancing comes from my father. He was a well-known Puerto Rican singer from the 1960s through the 1980s and had a significant impact on my life and interests growing up.
Although he passed away in 1984, his music and legacy continue to live on today. His name was Pellin Rodriguez, and his music can still be found and enjoyed by audiences around the world. It is a connection to my family and heritage that I continue to value and carry with me.