On Thursday, May 28th, MetTel, along with the government telecommunications industry, lost an industry legend. Diana Gowen, Senior Vice President and General Manager of our Federal Practice, passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Diana was a remarkably strong and revered veteran of government telecommunications. Under her tireless leadership, she built a powerful federal practice at MetTel from the ground up, providing new and better choices for government agencies. We are proud and honored that Diana chose to be a part of MetTel, and the entire MetTel family mourns her loss.
For more than 30 years, Diana played a pivotal role in US government communications infrastructure modernization and transformation for more than 30 years. Diana was routinely acknowledged for her impressive career journey and contributions to the federal market, as evidenced by her multiple awards. In addition to her recent Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Business Awards in 2018, Diana was also named Industry Executive of the Year by Government Computer News, and Federal 100 top executive influencers list (twice) by Federal Computer Week.
Diana joined MetTel in 2015 and began building our Federal Practice, bringing with her a reputation for only “making promises you can keep” and a leadership style that brought out the best in those around her. Those traits earned her credibility, respect and recognition across the industry including a recent Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Business Awards in 2018.
The tremendous impact Diana’s life has had on her colleagues, customers and partners speaks volumes to her long and storied career, as echoed in a tribute to Diana in Washington Technology:
“She became one of my go to people for leadership and advice, especially as we began planning the next generation of network services solutions…She was someone I admired and trusted and feel lucky to have gotten to know… (It) brings a smile to my face thinking of her.”
Mary Davie, deputy associate administrator of NASA’s mission support transformation office
“I saw her as someone I trusted and someone who would answer truthfully when you had a question or issue.” Bob Woods, former commissioner of GSA’s Federal Technology Service
“Her colleagues and her competitors held her in high regard for her strategic and tactical skills in capturing large opportunities, building marketing and sales organizations, and positioning companies for accelerated growth.” Warren Suss of Suss Consulting
“Diana showed you could be tough, successful executive, yet still be a charming and kind lady who had compassion for others…Our federal telecommunications community has lost one of its titans. There will not be another Diana Gowen.” Fred Haines, director of supplier engagement at GSA
Diana’s extensive experience and deep insights into the inner workings of the public sector combined with our companies’ expertise in IT communications helped make MetTel a rising star in government and among the first non-traditional communication solution providers to serve major Federal transformation contracts.
“Surrounding yourself with good people is half the battle, because it takes a village to be successful in this marketplace.”
Diana upon receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018
The entire MetTel family is honored to have had the opportunity to work with and get to know Diana, a beloved person—and a great leader. She will be missed—but not forgotten—by everyone who had the privilege of working with her.