Following the news that RELI Group had added Merri-Ellen James, looking to leverage her more than two decades of experience at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), we caught up to learn more.
A Focus on Long-Term Partnerships
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on building strong, trust-based relationships across the federal contracting space. I’ve worked with both large and small businesses, helping them align their capabilities with government missions. My background spans client engagement, business development and strategic growth, always with a focus on delivering value and fostering long-term partnerships that drive mission success.
Alignment in Relationship Management and Strategic Alignment
RELI’s reputation for agility, innovation and client-centric delivery immediately stood out to me. As a Client Relationship Executive, I was drawn to the company’s commitment to building meaningful, results-driven partnerships with its government clients. I’m excited to bring my experience in relationship management and strategic alignment to help RELI deepen its client connections and expand its impact. My goal is to ensure our clients feel heard, supported and confident in our ability to deliver.
Meeting – and Anticipating – Client Needs
My role is centered on strengthening RELI’s client engagement strategy – ensuring we’re not only meeting current needs, but anticipating future ones. I’ll be working closely with our delivery teams and partners to align our solutions with agency priorities and emerging challenges. By fostering deeper relationships and identifying new opportunities for collaboration, I aim to help RELI grow strategically and sustainably.
Advising Government with Confidence and Clarity
One trend I’m closely watching is the increasing emphasis on customer experience (CX) in government services. Agencies are looking for partners who understand their missions and can deliver with empathy, speed and precision. Another challenge is the need for seamless integration of emerging technologies, from AI to cloud modernization, without disrupting operations. At RELI, we’re focused on being a trusted advisor, helping clients navigate these shifts with confidence and clarity.
An Opportunity for Small Business
I’m always open to connecting with small businesses that bring innovative, mission-aligned capabilities, especially in areas like cybersecurity, data analytics and digital transformation. If you’re a company that values collaboration, agility and delivering real impact, I’d love to hear from you. Strong partnerships are key to our success, and I’m committed to building relationships that benefit our clients and the broader GovCon community.
I’m honored to be part of RELI at such an exciting time in its growth journey. We’re building something special – an organization that’s deeply committed to its clients, its people and its mission. I’m looking forward to connecting with others across the industry who share that same passion for service, innovation and impact.
