Omaha native Lisa N. Wolford, founder, president and CEO of Client/Server Software Solutions (CSSS.NET) joined the Marine Corps
in 1981 and was honorably discharged in 1985, having attained the rank of Corporal. While in the Corps, she initially
worked in Communications as a Field Radio Operator, later moving to the Battalion level working as
Unit Diary Clerk before being promoted to Assistant Unit Diary Chief.
While in the Marine Corps, Lisa married and had one child. After leaving the Corps, she moved back
to Nebraska with her family and had a second child. She then attended college at the University of Nebraska
at Omaha, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1992, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a
triple specialization in Management Information Systems, Accounting and Japanese Strategic Information Systems.
In the years before Lisa founded her company, she consulted on a variety of engagements including information
technology project management, methodology implementation, architectural and software design, development, and testing.
In 1997, Lisa founded Client/Server Software Solutions (CSSS.NET), initially operating the business out of her home.
Her technical expertise and educational background ideally suited Lisa to successfully manage an information technology
services firm, giving her an intuitive understanding of both client and employee concerns due to her experience on both
sides of the table. During CSSS.NET’s first five years, Lisa focused the business primarily within the commercial marketplace.
As the business developed, CSSS.NET worked for and built strategic partnerships with firms such as Ameritrade,
Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Commercial Federal, Computer Sciences Corporation, ConAgra, First Data Resources, HDR, Honeywell,
InfoUSA, State of Nebraska, Pamida, Raytheon, The Interpublic Group, and Union Pacific Rail Road, all of which enabled
CSSS.NET to establish itself as the premier business partner of choice.
In 2000, building upon the success CSSS.NET had attained commercially and for State government, Lisa began to set
her sights upon the federal market sector. Her tenacity and patience paid off in 2002, when CSSS.NET won its first
federal contract award for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In 2003, CSSS.NET entered into a Mentor-Protégé
agreement with Northrup Grumman, the second largest defense contractor in the nation. By 2004, Lisa had steered CSSS.NET firmly
and fully into the federal marketplace, having now contracted with U. S. Strategic Command, Air Force Weather Agency, CMS, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Veterans Administration. CSSS.NET is a Small Business Administration
certified 8(a) small disadvantaged business (SDB), woman owned business (WOB), service disabled veteran owned small business (SDVOSB)
firm, providing multi-disciplinary information technology solutions at all levels of these federal agencies and organizations.
For example, at USSTRATCOM, CSSS.NET provides the full range of IT specialties, services and support. At the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services, CSSS.NET provides database development, data warehousing, security audit and database administration services.
At AFWA, CSSS.NET provides information security and systems administration services and support.
CSSS.NET’s strong reputation is based upon integrity, value, and quality as a direct result of the solid professionals Lisa employs at each of the company’s nationwide client sites. All are seasoned professionals who excel in their area of expertise. Lisa has extended her service to her country beyond her personal tour in the Marine Corps throughout her business enterprise. She has carefully structured a hand-selected employee cadre, which provides outstanding employment opportunities for many veterans, applying their talents to deliver solutions to federal requirements. This approach also enables CSSS.NET to uniquely offer a higher standard of dedication and customer service to our clients and partners.
Lisa attributes the success of CSSS.NET to several key elements: her Marine Corps training, education in information technology and business administration, and a staff of talented dedicated employees.
Professional and Technical Associations:
- AFCEA (Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association)
- AIA (Aerospace Industries Association of America)
- AITP (Association of Information Technology Professionals)
- ITC (Information Technologies Council)
- NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business)
- NACCB (National Association of Computer Consultant Businesses)
- NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners)
- NDIA (National Defense Industrial Association)
- NWBOC (National Women business Owners Corporation)
- WID (Women in Defense)
- WIPP (Women Impacting Public Policy)
- WOB (Women Owned Business Enterprise)
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
- Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
- Bellevue Chamber of Commerce
- Better Business Bureau, Inc.
Recognitions:
- 2008 – CEO receives Honorable Mention as Vetrepreneur of the Year 2007 – Vetrepreneur Magazine
- 2007 - CEO Recognized as one of top 50 most powerful women in business
- 2007 – Signed Mentor Protégé Agreement with National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and Northrop Grumman, designed to help CSSS expand its Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- 2007 – CEO tapped to testify before Congress regarding the adverse effects Government Contract Bundling has on small businesses
- 2007 - Named #675 on Inc. 5000 first ever list of fastest growing private companies from Inc. Magazine
- 2007 – Named Government VAR of the week
- 2006 - CEO Featured in “Rainmaker” article in DEC Veterans Business Journal
- 2006 – One of six small businesses selected to attend the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
- Executive Education Strategic Retreat for Top Management Teams
- 2006 – Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce - Small Business Excellence in Business Award
- 2005 – Bellevue Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award of Excellence
- 2003 – 2007: Diversity-Owned Business Award