Meg Kulungowski
About Meg Kulungowski
Meg Kulungowski serves as the Vice President of Government Relations at Navistar Defense, where she has worked since 2009. She has played a key role in securing significant contracts and influencing Army procurement strategies, contributing to substantial growth in defense budgets.
Work at Navistar Defense
Meg Kulungowski has served as Vice President of Government Relations at Navistar Defense since 2009. In this role, she operates from the Washington D.C. Metro Area and leads initiatives that align the company with governmental objectives. Kulungowski has successfully implemented a congressional engagement strategy that contributed to a significant increase in the Army's operating budget. Her leadership has been instrumental in securing nearly $400 million in contracts for a specialized recovery vehicle designed to address urgent operational needs in Afghanistan.
Previous Experience in Government Relations
Before joining Navistar Defense, Kulungowski held various positions that enhanced her expertise in government relations. She worked as Office Manager at the U.S. Senate from 2001 to 2002. Additionally, she served as Director of Congressional Affairs at the Joint IED Defeat Organization from 2006 to 2009. In these roles, she developed skills in legislative processes and stakeholder engagement, which have been crucial in her current position.
Education and Expertise
Kulungowski holds a Master's degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, which she completed from 2005 to 2006. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1981. This educational background provides her with a strong foundation in both technical and strategic aspects of defense and government relations.
Achievements in Defense Procurement
Throughout her career, Kulungowski has made significant contributions to defense procurement strategies. She identified critical gaps in the Army's vehicle procurement plans, successfully advocating for the reconsideration of vehicle divestment, which generated substantial sustainment revenue. Her efforts in crafting language for defense bills led to the securing of $100 million in sustainment revenue related to the MRAP vehicle plan and influenced the repurposing of $4 billion worth of equipment.
Military Background
Kulungowski served as an Officer in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1992. This experience provided her with a comprehensive understanding of military operations and logistics, which has informed her subsequent roles in government relations and defense contracting. Her military service has been a key element in her ability to navigate complex defense issues effectively.