Craig Janus

Chief Operating Officer

Intelligent Waves’ Chief Operating Officer, Craig Janus, is a transformational business leader and strategist with 35+ years of comprehensive P/L management, including C-level experience across public and private-sector markets. With 30 of those years in the Government Contracting sector with both product and professional services growth and delivery. He has a demonstrated ability to drive new business growth while returning industry-leading financial performance. His experience includes active leadership of several M&A initiatives and extensive interaction with the banking and private equity community.

Craig has been instrumental in developing actionable growth plans for mid-market businesses, achieving organizational potential, and diversifying market positions through meticulous capture and proposal efforts. He is an expert at organizational restructuring and recovery, helping business achieve their full market potential. Craig’s operational acumen drives excellence and consistently exceptional formal and informal client satisfaction measures through painstaking program management and delivery efforts.

He actively participates in more complex capture efforts, with values more than $250M in the federal space having led and won new business at HHS, VA, FBI, Education, SSA, the DoD, and Intelligence Community to name a few.

Craig has held senior leadership roles and notable achievements at companies such as SAIC, URS, Vangent, and Noblis, where he consistently delivered exceptional results in business development, operational efficiency, and strategic planning. He is a collaborative manager working across functional teams to inspire exceptional performance and winning solutions. He has a managed a diverse range of P/L responsibility, from $20M to more than +$350M and teams from 50 to more than 5000 FTEs. His early industry experience spans technical management roles in the telecom and IT sectors, managing various facets of telecommunications systems and operations.

His success as a general manager and C-level executive have led to his active participation in the sale or acquisition of firms he’s worked with going back almost ten years. While leading Merlin International’s professional services group, Craig grew that business unit rapidly with an intense focus on leading cybersecurity technologies and services. Within 24 months, he led the successful sale of the business to the Xator Corporation where he stayed to lead that new business unit.

Craig’s management philosophy is culture-first. He has the unique ability to inspire high performing personnel to focus on common goals while maintaining a rich culture of performance, customer focus, and individual fulfillment.

A distinguished veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Craig holds a Master of Science in Information and Telecommunications Systems from Johns Hopkins University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Washington Adventist University, graduating cum laude. He also served as adjunct faculty at Johns Hopkins University, developing and teaching graduate-level courses in information systems, telecommunications, and business for more than 15 years.

Leadership Philosophy

I believe that leadership is rooted in service and guided by honor and integrity. As a leader, it is my duty not only to lead by example but also to empower others through knowledge and experience, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is prepared to carry on the mission.

Integrity and Honor

Integrity is non-negotiable. Every action I take and every decision I make must align with the core values of honesty and fairness. Honor is the foundation of trust, and without it, leadership cannot flourish. I expect the same unwavering commitment to integrity from my team, understanding that our reputation is built by consistent adherence to our principles, even when no one is watching.

Selfless Service

True leadership is about serving others before oneself. I strive to put the needs of my team and our mission above my own, always ensuring that I am the last to speak and the last to take credit. I believe that by placing service to others at the heart of leadership, we foster loyalty, dedication, and a shared sense of purpose.

I expect a similar commitment to selflessness. I expect team members to place collective success above individual recognition and to be supportive of their colleagues.

Teaching and Mentorship

It is my responsibility to pass on the lessons I have learned to those around me. Teaching and coaching is central to my leadership, as I believe that the greatest legacy a leader can leave is a well-prepared and capable team. I will continuously seek opportunities to coach, mentor, and guide, ensuring that my team is not only equipped with the skills they need but also empowered to take on leadership roles of their own. I expect the team to cultivate a climate of learning and inspiration – to share information, experience, and knowledge freely. I expect them to be open to feedback and to seek opportunities to improve their skills.

Respect

Respect is the cornerstone of strong relationships, both internally and externally. I believe that treating every client, partner, and colleague with respect is essential to building trust and fostering collaboration. Respect means valuing diverse perspectives, listening actively, and recognizing the contributions of others. I will work to create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, understanding that mutual respect strengthens our ability to achieve shared goals.

From my team, I expect: Respect for clients, partners, and colleagues alike. I expect team members to treat others professionally and courteously, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual respect.

Accountability and Ownership

I hold myself and my team accountable for our actions and decisions. I believe that we are responsible not only for our successes but also for our failures. When mistakes are made, I expect my team to own them, learn from them, and move forward with solutions. I, too, will hold myself to this standard, always striving to be transparent and accountable in my leadership.

There’s a saying: “Bad news doesn’t get better with age.” We will always operate with the understanding that both successes and failures must be shared openly. When challenges arise, we won’t delay or avoid them—we’ll confront them head-on and solve them together as a team. The quicker we face challenges, the quicker we can find solutions and move forward stronger than before.

Culture of Trust and Growth

Building a strong culture is essential to long-term success. I prioritize fostering an environment where trust, collaboration, and continuous learning are valued. I believe that a team’s culture will define its ability to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. I will invest in my team’s development, recognizing that our collective strength lies in the individual growth of each team member.

Leadership by Example

A leader’s actions speak louder than their words. I will lead by example, demonstrating the values and standards I expect from my team. In every situation, I will model the behavior that aligns with our mission, ensuring that I never ask of others what I am not willing to do myself.

Legacy of Service

I believe that the ultimate measure of my leadership will be the impact I leave behind. My goal is to shape future leaders who are guided by integrity, committed to service, and equipped to face any challenge. I will work tirelessly to ensure that when the time comes for me to step aside, the team is stronger, more capable, and ready to carry the torch forward.