Spectrum: 25 years of service and innovation

Jeff Wassmer, CEO of Spectrum (second from right), is joined by (from left) Dina Paris, Chris Stoney and Lisa Ryan, current and former employees celebrating the company’s 25 years of service.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Spectrum is a professional services and technical solutions company originating on the Virginia Peninsula. Spectrum tackles mission challenges for the U.S. Department of Defense, law enforcement and civilian agencies at a federal, state and local level.

Headquartered in Newport News, the Spectrum team consists of talented engineers, scientists, acquisition professionals, logisticians, technicians and business staff who work to support the missions of each client. Their work extends to Department of Defense bases across the country.

The company was founded by CEO Jeff Wassmer, a dedicated community member with years of experience in network security and Department of Defense program management. Wassmer catalyzed efforts to modernize ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) Architecture, leading to more efficient and accurate intelligence. As CEO, Wassmer has guided the company through steady growth during his tenure, resulting in several workplace awards both nationally and locally.

Wassmer maintains board membership with organizations including the Peninsula Community Foundation, Young Presidents Organization, Peninsula Now, Virginia Chamber of Commerce, RVA-757 Connects, York County Planning Commission and several more from previous years. He recently married and enjoys traveling, cooking and serving the community. “I enjoy visiting our worldwide locations and being with our teammates and customers,” he says. “Seeing the amazing things we deliver is a life highlight.”

Spectrum prides itself on connecting with decision makers in defense and intelligence. Through these important connections, the team sharpens its capabilities and stays ahead of challenges and threats. The team at Spectrum is central to its success and longevity, according to the company’s leadership.

“We are committed to being a workplace where people want to be,” Wassmer says. “It is always a challenge to hire and retain the best. Creating an environment enabling employees to be their best and meet their goals is our focus. We’ve had people who have sought other opportunities, only to come back to us.”

Spectrum’s connection to the Virginia Peninsula runs deep, through its history to its corporate social responsibility. “From 7 W. Queens Way in downtown Hampton to 1 Bayport Way in Newport News, we have thrived with incredible support on the Virginia Peninsula,” Wassmer says. “We learned very early of the incredible resources and people in our community. They might not be in our industry, but they took us in, mentored us and ingrained us in the community.”

Spectrum is proud to partner with several nonprofit and community-oriented organizations on the Virginia Peninsula. The leadership and team volunteer their time, serve on boards and provide financial support to many such organizations. “We strongly believe in a healthy community,” Wassmer says. “Many members of our team have served in the military and understand the strong sense of community as a resource, but also a place to support and serve. It is our honor to do so.”

Spectrum is constantly adapting to change. The Department of Defense, which Wassmer calls “the world’s greatest customer,” continuously changes priorities, meaning the company team stays vigilant in its delivery and support. “World threats have demanded we shift and adjust,” he says. “In today’s world of realigning defense, it is extremely important to remain adaptable.”

Spectrum prioritizes involvement in industry forums, customer engagement and training, as it sees these methods as keys to empowering its team to deliver. “The work we do supporting our military allows Americans to live in peace in freedom,” Wassmer concludes. “That is an enormous responsibility and honor.”

TO THE POINT:
Spectrum
Address: 1 Bayport Way, Newport News, VA 23606
Contact: Moe Taylor, director of business development
Phone: 757-739-8386
Website: www.sptrm.com

About Caroline Kelsick 14 Articles
Caroline is a writer and editor from Virginia Beach. She graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in professional and technical writing. She works for the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast as a grant writer and practices freelance writing on the side.