Washington, D.C. Chapter
Joe Punaro is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IronArch Technology, a verified service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that provides Information Technology Modernization and Operations and Management Consulting to the Federal Government. As CEO, Punaro is dedicated to leading the acceleration of digital transformation for his government customers to build future governments that will better protect, serve, and educate citizens. Punaro is responsible for day-to-day operations, program management, long-term strategy planning, and growth initiatives. Punaro’s dedication to his employees has earned his company the prestigious Washington Business Journal’s Best Places to Work four years in a row (2016-2019) and INC 5000’s Fastest Growing Business (2017- 2020).
Before forming and leading IronArch Technology, Punaro was a Founding Partner of Bluestone Logic (2009- 2013), an information technology company specializing in conducting systems analysis for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. Over a period of four years, Punaro grew it into a successful business and exited it to start IronArch Technology.
Prior to that, Punaro served as Director of Federal Client Solutions for Dynology Corporation from 2006-2009. He was responsible for the company’s federal clients, providing program management and technical advice to the highest echelons of the Federal Government.
Punaro learned steadfast leadership skills while serving on active duty as a United States Marine (2001-2005). His role as a Company and Platoon Commander earned him several military awards and distinctions for heroism and leadership, including the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (Combat V). Punaro took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the assault on Baghdad in April of 2003. Punaro even made an appearance on CNN’s The Situation Room (April 9, 2003) in an amphibious assault vehicle, as his unit entered Firdos Square in Baghdad, Iraq.
Punaro began his successful entrepreneurial career back in the fifth grade with an early morning paper route. Punaro states one of the lessons he learned back then that drives him to this day: “Rewards come when you deliver what customers need and want, without fail, every day.” Punaro has brought this philosophy with him to all aspects of his professional life.
Punaro was appointed by Governor’s McDonnell and McAuliffe to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Virginia War Memorial from 2011-2017. He also served on the Chain Bridge Bank Advisory Board in McLean, Va. (2011-2014). Throughout his career, Punaro has played an active role in supporting local and national charities, such as the Semper Fi Fund, the Capital Area Food Bank, and Feeding America. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing Information Systems from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.