Top HR leaders to watch in 2024: Heather Wilson of Astrion

Heather Wilson

Chief Human Resources Officer, Astrion

In 2023, Heather Wilson transitioned from a successful career in large public defense companies to a key leadership position at Astrion, a private equity-backed government services company. This move allowed her to apply her extensive knowledge and experience gained in larger organizations to a dynamic, growing medium-sized company.

“At Astrion, I focused on strategically aligning HR processes, talent acquisition and organizational initiatives to the specific business and financial outcomes that drive our success,” she said. “By taking a thoughtful and measured approach to initiatives, I was able to implement best practices from larger environments while remaining agile and responsive to the unique needs of a mid-sized business.”

This includes optimizing HR processes to increase efficiency, developing targeted hiring strategies to attract top talent that aligns with growth objectives, and implementing retention strategies and recognition programs to maintain high levels of engagement and employee satisfaction. Wilson’s team played a key role in this effort, working together to implement best practices and promote continuous improvement.

Why watch

Wilson’s ability to adapt to a new business environment while aligning operations with strategic objectives has been key to Astrion’s growth and success in the public services sector. The company recently signed a definitive agreement to acquire Axient, a similarly sized company specializing in technology solutions for government customers. The deal is expected to be completed in late summer, after which the integration of the two companies will begin.

“I am committed to bringing both workforces together as a unified team, with a shared culture that promotes opportunity and leverages the diverse backgrounds and skills of our employees,” Wilson said. “At Astrion, we embrace the humanity in every person and value empathy, understanding and genuine connections. By recognizing and respecting the unique qualities of each individual, we cultivate a culture of inclusivity, kindness and mutual support. We continue to strive for a very inclusive and supportive environment to ensure everyone in our company sees a path to achieve their full potential.”

Fun fact: Wilson loves tandem cycling. For them, it’s more than just physical exercise – it transforms a simple ride into a shared journey based on trust, teamwork and connection. Every ride is a unique adventure that strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories with every mile.

You can find the entire list of “Top HR Executives to Watch 2024” here.