Emily Ruggs
Executive Vice President
Tulsa,OK
Summary
Strategic and growth-oriented Executive Vice President with 10+ years of progressive leadership experience across government contracting, operations, finance, and corporate development. Proven track record of scaling enterprise value, leading cross-functional teams, and driving high-impact initiatives in Tribal 8(a) and regulated business environments. Key leader in a successful acquisition and post-integration transformation—growing company backlog from $8M to $100M+ and implementing robust systems for compliance, governance, and operational excellence. Seeking C-level leadership roles in mission-driven organizations positioned for strategic growth and transformation.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Vice President
Kaiva Services
01.2022 - Current
- Co-lead of the Innovative Services and Constructions business units at a Tribal 8(a) and HUBZone government contractor providing professional services, infrastructure, and staffing.
- Scaled company backlog from $8M to over $100M in four years through strategic execution, diversification, and operational maturity.
- P&L owner with full responsibility for monthly financial performance review, budget development, and cost optimization.
- Sole responsible executive for Kaiva Services’ annual financial audit across all business units.
- Developed and led company-wide performance systems tied to financial, operational, and compliance goals.
- Provided G&A leadership across Kaiva Corporation, advising on policy creation, business insurance, asset management, and enterprise-wide compliance.
- Supported corporate governance and internal controls by partnering with legal, finance, HR, and Tribal stakeholders.
- Served as executive liaison for high-value government clients, prime contractors, and teaming partners.
- Regularly engaged with Tribal Council, providing performance updates, financial insights, and strategic recommendations.
- Led enterprise risk management efforts, including compliance frameworks, contract risk, and regulatory audits.
- Oversaw cross-functional leadership teams, including HR, finance, operations, and marketing.
- Guided the organization’s ERP and digital transformation strategy, enhancing financial reporting, operations, and compliance workflows.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to develop Kaiva-branded collateral, supporting business development, recruitment, and brand consistency.
Senior Vice President / Chief Financial Officer
Kaiva Services (formerly Banning Contracting Services)
07.2020 - 01.2022
- Core member of the acquisition team—led the delivery of all company documentation, served as negotiator between the Tribe and former ownership, and oversaw post-acquisition transition planning/execution.
- Directed financial strategy across all business units, including goal-setting, budget planning, and forecasting.
- Evaluated performance metrics across departments and aligned operations with strategic and financial objectives.
- Supported internal and external communication of company financial health, forecasts, and investment priorities.
Vice President
Banning Contracting Services
10.2019 - 07.2020
- Managed day-to-day operations and executed strategic initiatives across sales, accounting, HR, and general operations.
- Supported long-term planning and internal capability development to position the company for future growth.
Director of Sales and Marketing
Banning Contracting Services
05.2017 - 10.2019
- Led marketing and business development strategy across federal and commercial sectors.
- Developed annual sales forecasts, managed team performance, and collaborated cross-functionally to align sales with company goals.
- Established company marketing plans and supported creation of outreach campaigns and customer materials.
Proposal Manager
Kaiva Services
10.2016 - 05.2017
- Directed full lifecycle of federal proposal responses, ensuring compliance, win strategy alignment, and effective coordination with internal teams and subcontractors.
- Provided proposal support to five entities within the Construction and Environmental portfolio.
Proposal Writer
Cherokee Nation Businesses
07.2014 - 10.2016
- Supported federal proposal efforts through compliance review, technical writing, and final editing.
- Maintained win/loss data and developed knowledge libraries to streamline future proposals.
Education
Master of Arts - History
The University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Mass Communication
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK 05.2001 -
Skills
- Leadership in strategic planning and execution
- Government contracting expertise
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- P&L Management & Financial Oversight
- Board & Stakeholder Engagement
- Operations management
- Organizational growth
- Data-driven decision making
- Strategic partnerships
Accomplishments
- Led the acquisition and integration of Kaiva Services; scaled company backlog from $8M to $100M+.
- Served as the executive lead for all financial audits and ERP implementation across business units.
- Designed and implemented company-wide risk management, performance tracking, and compliance frameworks.
- Built executive-level partnerships with government clients and teaming partners, resulting in sustained contract growth.
- Supported corporate branding strategy through the development of consistent Kaiva-branded marketing collateral.
- Regular presenter to Tribal Council and Board of Directors on business performance and strategic initiatives.
Certification
Project Management Professional
Timeline
Executive Vice President
Kaiva Services
01.2022 - Current
Project Management Professional
12-2021
Senior Vice President / Chief Financial Officer
Kaiva Services (formerly Banning Contracting Services)
07.2020 - 01.2022
Vice President
Banning Contracting Services
10.2019 - 07.2020
Director of Sales and Marketing
Banning Contracting Services
05.2017 - 10.2019
Proposal Manager
Kaiva Services
10.2016 - 05.2017
Proposal Writer
Cherokee Nation Businesses
07.2014 - 10.2016
Master of Arts - History
The University of Tulsa
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Mass Communication
University of Oklahoma
05.2001 -
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