As the Chief Growth Officer (CGO) for Koniag Government Services (KGS), Carl Buffington has played a pivotal role in the extraordinary expansion of the organization. Under his leadership, KGS has experienced remarkable organic growth, with revenue surging from $130 million to over $765 million in just five years. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence have been key drivers in this success, making him an invaluable asset to KGS. Carl’s achievements at KGS were recently publicly recognized by Washington Exec as Top Chief Growth Officer for companies with more than $500 million in annual revenue in 2024.
At KGS, Carl’s responsibilities encompass executive leadership in collaboration with cross-functional teams, capabilities development, and strategic growth both organically and through acquisitions. He also plays a crucial role in overseeing management, budgeting, and strategic business partnerships. His leadership style is characterized by fostering innovation, efficiency, and a commitment to continuous improvement, which has resulted in significant increases in contract values and an impressive win rate of over 20%, with an active pipeline exceeding $30 billion.
One of Carl’s notable achievements at KGS includes leading the development of an AI tool called CASPER. This innovative tool, which uses proprietary data models, has revolutionized the process of drafting technical documents, reducing the time required up to 90%. CASPER not only enhances efficiency and saves money but also improves data privacy.
Carl brings over two decades of experience in the technology sector, specializing in executive operational and business development roles. Before joining KGS, he was instrumental in leading strategic initiatives across a $400 million portfolio in the Federal Intelligence, Civilian, National Security, and Health IT markets. His expertise in aligning operational drivers with cutting-edge technologies has consistently met and exceeded customer needs. Carl also previously served as the CEO and President of a software development company that specialized in advanced technology solutions for mobile, web, and cloud platforms. These experiences provided him with a strong foundation in technology and business strategy, which he has leveraged to drive KGS’s growth.
A hallmark of Carl’s leadership at KGS is his dedication to the organization’s mission of supporting Native communities. Under his guidance, KGS has not only achieved financial success but has also made substantial contributions to the well-being of its stakeholders. Initiatives such as education foundations, dividends to Alaskan Native shareholders, support for HBCUs, and internship programs have enriched the lives of thousands and ensured the sustainability of these impactful programs. Carl also has the honor of leading the KGS team every summer on our annual Community Service Project in Kodiak, Alaska.
Carl holds a BS in Computer Information Systems from the University of Northern Colorado, where he also serves on the Board of Advisors for the College of Business. His active involvement in various Government/Industry organizations further underscores his commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the industry.