Whether she’s helping build better networks for soldiers around the world or writing out a business plan, Debbie De La O embraces her own curiosity with an eye toward making life better, easier or more meaningful.
As vice president within Leidos Digital Modernization, De La O is a finalist for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards in the Private & Public Company DOD Executive of the Year category. The event takes place live June 2.
In this spotlight, she discusses helping lead efforts tied to the Army Global Unified Network initiative, her team’s focus on continuing to deliver mission solutions, and why long-term success doesn’t happen apart from building trust and credibility.
What key achievements did you have in 2025/2026?
In 2025/2026, I’m most proud of our team’s role in modernizing the Army’s network and advancing the Army Global Unified Network initiative. This effort is foundational, not only for improving enterprise transport and network capabilities but also for enabling the Army to securely and at scale operationalize data. Helping drive that transformation while ensuring modernization efforts remain aligned with mission needs has been incredibly rewarding. I’m especially proud of the collaboration, discipline and innovation our team brought to a program that is strengthening the Army’s digital foundation for the future.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
My primary focus is to remain closely aligned with the customer’s mission and continue delivering solutions that improve operational effectiveness, resiliency and efficiency. That means using our expertise to solve complex mission challenges and making sure our teams have the resources, clarity and support they need to execute successfully. Modernization is not only about technology but also about building trusted partnerships, maintaining operational continuity, and empowering people to perform at their best. When teams feel supported and connected to the mission, they deliver stronger, more sustainable outcomes for the customer.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Invest early in building strong leadership habits, especially clear communication, sound decision-making, accountability and consistency. Technical expertise matters, but long-term success rests on trust and credibility. Be authentic in how you lead, engage with customers, and support your teams. People recognize genuine leadership, and authenticity builds the trust that enables collaboration, resilience and high performance. Stay curious, keep learning and never lose sight of the mission or the people who make it possible.
What is something about you that most people do not know?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for innovation. Since I was 18, I’ve enjoyed sketching ideas, developing concepts and writing business plans that focus on simple ways to improve everyday life. I’m naturally curious about how things work and how they can work better, so I’m always thinking about practical solutions that make life easier, more efficient or more meaningful for people.