Congratulations, 2026 Core Value Award Recipients!
We are thrilled to announce the results of a very special initiative, our Core Value Awards. We created these awards to recognize and celebrate team members who embody our core values in extraordinary ways and help bring our mission to life every day. This process made it clear that we are surrounded by remarkable people doing remarkable things, and reminded us that our people are what make ValidaTek a truly exceptional place to work.
Adam LaBrecque | Make people the priority
Adam was selected for this Core Value due to his outstanding commitment to supporting colleagues as a member of the IT team. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure everyone has the resources and help they need; responding quickly and reliably to requests. Adam’s proactive attitude, his follow-through, and his genuine care make a positive impact on daily operations, fostering a collaborative and supportive culture at ValidaTek.
Greg Hodgins | Think, plan, and deliver to a higher standard
As a leader of a very complex and demanding Engineering Contract for DISA, Greg is outstanding in his ability to anticipate challenges and deliver exceptional results. Greg's forward-thinking vision and spearheading the adoption of AI has set new benchmarks for program delivery across the organization. Greg is described as a leader who shields his team from friction, improving their experience and building a supportive environment for his team all while continuously raising the bar.
Blake Vandercar | Do what's right, not what's easy
Blake is an exceptional Software Quality Manager who consistently goes above and beyond, strengthening our automated testing, implementing end-to-end solutions, and directly resolving issues to ensure lasting quality. His proactive approach, including automated accessibility and component testing, and his dedication to root-cause solutions has elevated team standards and sets a remarkable example for ValidaTek.
Cliff Newton | From customer, to community, to career, take ownership
Cliff is an outstanding embodiment of the “take ownership” core value. Cliff consistently goes above and beyond for both customers and colleagues, pioneering innovative solutions, resolving critical issues, and earning deep trust from government leaders. His leadership in driving modernization, completing high-impact projects, and fostering team excellence has directly contributed to ValidaTek’s success and reputation, making him a role model across the company.
Aleksander Cheremeteff | Leverage common sense and knowledge to work smart
Aleksander consistently demonstrates initiative, expanding his project knowledge and tackling complex business challenges with common sense and technical expertise. His proactive approach, especially during critical moments involving USCG infrastructure, resulted in prompt problem resolution and improved communication channels for future incidents. Aleksander’s dedication to continuous improvement and effective teamwork truly sets him apart, making him a shining example of working smart within our organization.
Congratulations to the 2025 Recipients for exemplifying our ValidaTek Core Values and driving success for our company and our customers. Read more about ValidaTek's culture here.
