TAMPA, FL, November 05, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Kersten Smith Lodato has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Smith Lodato has established herself as a distinguished leader in the public health advisory sector, currently serving as Associate Director at Guidehouse, a global AI-led professional services firm, since 2022. In this capacity, she is responsible for assembling and leading integrated project teams that include public health professionals, clinicians, digital advisors, and technology experts. Her role encompasses developing and delivering tailored advisory services for executive clients at federal health and human services agencies and overseeing business development and strategic growth. She leads large multidisciplinary teams ensuring that Guidehouse's capabilities align with client needs. Ms. Smith Lodato's expertise in business operations, strategy, and public health has been instrumental in supporting federal agencies as they identify opportunities for transformation and growth. She has played a pivotal role in technology transformations, business optimization and, most notably, mission-critical work in organ procurement and transplantation.

Her work on organ procurement and transplantation stands as a career highlight. In 2023, she began supporting the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) modernization initiative, which prioritizes improved services for transplant recipients and donor families. Ms. Smith Lodato and her team's efforts are helping promote trust within the organ transplant system to increase organ donations and honor the contributions of donors and their families. Her strategic advisory role at the intersection of business operations and public health has earned her recognition for advancing quality care and respect for all individuals within the transplant system.

Before her current position, Ms. Smith Lodato served as a Managing Consultant (2021 to 2022) and Senior Consultant (2018 to 2021) in the Federal Health sector at Guidehouse. In these roles, she continued to develop her leadership skills, guiding teams through complex projects and supporting clients at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She contributed to large-scale technology transformation initiatives and programmatic and organizational assessments that enabled NIH Institutes and Centers to achieve strategic objectives. While at NIH, Ms. Smith Lodato is most proud of her work at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) where she was a part of a team that conducted a focused review of the Institute's Suicide Prevention research infrastructure, activities, and priorities to position the NIMH for success in improving its suicide prevention efforts.

As a Senior Associate (2017 to 2018) and Experienced Associate (2015 to 2017) in PwC's public sector practice, Ms. Smith Lodato gained invaluable insights from distinguished colleagues and honed her advisory and technical skills. Her early career also included serving as a Marketing and Communications Specialist for Undergraduate Admissions at her alma mater, George Mason University, from 2014 to 2015, where she developed foundational skills in branding, communications, and marketing.

Ms. Smith Lodato's academic background has been integral to her professional achievements. She earned a Master's Degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University, which provided her with advanced expertise in strategic communication and stakeholder engagement. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Politics, with a concentration in Intelligence Analysis, from George Mason University, which equips her with the analytical and policy skills essential for her advisory work. Additionally, she completed coursework in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution at The American University of Rome, broadening her perspective on global affairs and conflict management.

Throughout her career, Ms. Smith Lodato has attributed her success to a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, both of which were shaped by her upbringing in Nebraska. She values collaboration and continuous learning, and she acknowledges the significant influence of mentors who guided her development as a professional. Her approachable demeanor and willingness to seize opportunities have contributed to her advancement and reputation for excellence. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous team awards in the federal landscape.

Her commitment to civic engagement is reflected in her service as a Young Ambassadors Council Member for the NIH Children's Inn from 2017 to 2018, where she supported initiatives benefiting children and families as they participate in life-changing clinical research studies at the NIH's Clinical Center. She also served as Marketing Advisor for 180 Degrees Consulting from 2013 to 2015, providing strategic guidance to top-tier university students volunteering their time to support nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Ms. Smith Lodato has volunteered in her local community, demonstrating her dedication to service beyond her professional responsibilities.

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Ms. Smith Lodato draws inspiration from her family's midwest values and achievements. Her grandparents were farmers, veterans, public servants and teachers. Her mother, who rose to become Director of Perioperative and Anesthesia Services at Bryan Medical Center, exemplified resilience and work-life balance while navigating a male-dominated field with two young daughters. Her mother's perseverance during a recent battle with breast cancer further reinforced Ms. Smith Lodato's commitment to faith, strength, and determination. Her father's accomplishments as a Partner at Woods Aitken Law Firm also motivated her pursuit of excellence. Some of her fondest "early professional" memories include working as an Office Runner at Woods Aitken while in high school. Ms. Smith Lodato is equally inspired by her younger sister who is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst providing treatment and early intervention for individuals with autism to aid in skill development.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Smith Lodato enjoys supporting her husband, Vincent Lodato, as Assistant Coach for the University of South Florida Women's Lacrosse team, where she champions young women as they develop athletically, academically, and personally. Outside of lacrosse, Ms. Smith Lodato and her husband enjoy spending time with friends and family in Tampa, attending and watching sporting events (especially cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers), exploring restaurants, and being on the water. She is dedicated to mentoring junior professionals, striving to foster teamwork and supportive relationships within her professional community.

Looking ahead, Ms. Smith Lodato is focused on growing the federal health platform to further establish Guidehouse as a leading professional services firm. She remains committed to helping clients navigate the evolving federal landscape and enhancing health care delivery for Americans through effective and innovative solutions.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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