A former Marine rifleman turned GovTech founder, Michael Valdez Sanders knows that effective government begins with truly understanding the people it serves. As the founder of IGH, a federal contracting firm focused on helping agencies modernize the way they operate and deliver services, he leads teams that immerse themselves in local context. Instead of bringing in one-size-fits-all programs, they work alongside residents and partners to shape solutions that feel grounded, human, and relevant.
“If you want to serve communities well, you have to understand them,” he says. “That means knowing the cultural dynamics, the infrastructure limitations, and the day-to-day challenges people face where they are.” He reflects on how real progress happens when leaders step into communities, listen closely, and shape solutions around lived experience rather than assumptions.
Building Community-Centered Government Services
IGH is known for its model of embedding teams directly into the communities they support. The approach is simple and human: listen first, then act. In his words, “We don’t just show up, we embed, we listen, and we deliver.”
This commitment is reflected in IGH’s work throughout Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. Whether implementing health initiatives or improving federal grant programs, Sanders insists that real results come from respecting local knowledge. “True optimization is personal,” he says. “We partner with local stakeholders and design programs that respect the community.”
That philosophy shows up most clearly in IGH’s focus on building local capacity. Rather than flying in short-term support, the company prioritizes hiring and training people who already understand the rhythms and realities of their own communities. Giving local teams the tools and authority to lead where they live often results in programs that are more trusted, sustainable, and better aligned with regional needs.
Technology That Meets Every Community Where It Lives
Sanders is unwavering in his view that modern government must be technologically agile. Serving regions separated by thousands of miles requires systems that work reliably across time zones and varied infrastructure conditions. “People shouldn’t have to live near DC to access world-class service.”
To support that mission, IGH develops cloud-first platforms designed for flexibility and security. These tools allow federal programs to operate efficiently even in areas where connectivity is inconsistent or terrain is challenging. For agencies attempting to modernize, this capability is essential. It enables equitable access, operational resilience, and consistent delivery of services.
It is an approach that reflects an ongoing evolution in GovTech with the field maturing from tech deployment to community-aware, impact-driven modernization. “When we optimize government services across the globe,” he says, “we’re not just improving operations. We’re expanding impact, building trust, and creating equity.”
Scaling Impact Across All U.S. Territories
Sanders’ background in the Marine Corps remains foundational to his leadership style. The resilience and mission focus that shaped his early career heavily influence how he guides IGH’s nationally dispersed workforce.
Following his military service, Sanders transitioned into the private sector, eventually founding IGH in 2006. He built the early stage company around the principle “Transforming Business, Transforming Lives,” a belief that federal modernization is not merely technical work but a pathway to better outcomes for citizens. Today, IGH manages programs across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. Sanders leads a globally dispersed workforce focused on program management, full-lifecycle grant administration, and performance optimization.
By continuing to expand technological capability, invest in local talent, and cultivate agency partnerships, he believes federal programs can reach more communities with greater impact. “Let’s continue building systems and partnerships that reach every corner of the country and every community that calls it home.”
To learn more or connect with Michael Valdez Sanders, visit his LinkedIn or on his website.
