While the catalog of services MarCom Group offers to clients is important, what’s more important is the people who are delivering those services. That’s why, for the past 30 years, we’ve made a concerted effort to hire professionals who not only have a high level of expertise but strong customer service skills as well.

Kathy Ratliff has been an account manager with MarCom Group for more than five years and will soon be leaving to enjoy retirement with her family. Throughout her career, Kathy has been the epitome of that powerful combination of expertise and exceptional client service, so much so that a client made a specific contractual request to have Kathy service their account.

Throughout her career, Kathy has been the epitome of that powerful combination of expertise and exceptional client service, so much so that a client made a specific contractual request to have Kathy service their account.

A glimpse at Kathy’s career helps us see why.

Kathy’s Journey With NAVAIR 

“My career journey has been deeply rooted in public service and Human Resources, with over three decades of experience at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). I began in administrative roles and steadily progressed to leadership-level positions. With each new role, I built on my deep understanding of workforce planning, personnel management, and program coordination. 

“Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a commitment to organizational excellence, employee support, and continuous learning. I’m proud of the contributions I’ve made to workforce development, compliance, and inclusive hiring strategies.”

Kathy Joins MarCom Group 

“After my retirement from federal service, I was happy to join the MarCom Group team as an account manager working with my former employer, NAVAIR. In this role, I provide on-site support to their Headquarters Recruitment Office, managing daily operations tied to national recruitment efforts, with a strong focus on strategic outreach.

“For example, I’ve coordinated and executed 10 major Navy Civilian Career events annually and personally led efforts at many of them, bringing the strongest pool of qualified candidates possible for NAVAIR, NAVSEA, and NAVWAR. 

“I also supported recruiter readiness, training over 100 recruiters annually, and led a tech rollout across eight NAVAIR sites. I’ve contributed to targeted marketing campaigns, written standard operating procedures to improve candidate sourcing, and supported ongoing projects like centralized recruitment and branding. My role blends project management, logistics, and strategy, all aimed at helping NAVAIR attract the best talent.” 

A Winning Culture 

“What initially attracted me to MarCom Group was their strong presence in the federal space and the opportunity to support a meaningful mission like NAVAIR’s recruitment efforts. But what truly made me want to be part of the team, and what has kept me here, is the company culture.

“There’s a genuine spirit of support and collaboration that you don’t always find in a fast-paced agency environment.”

“There’s a genuine spirit of support and collaboration that you don’t always find in a fast-paced agency environment. That culture, combined with the trust leadership places in employees to lead, solve problems, and contribute strategically, makes it a place where I feel both valued and empowered.

“I also enjoy the variety and impact of the work. Whether I’m leading national events, supporting recruitment technology and logistics, or contributing to branding initiatives, I know what I’m doing makes a difference — for MarCom Group, our clients, and the broader mission.” 

A Reputation That Precedes Her 

“One of the things I’m most proud of is that my name was specifically written into the contract between NAVAIR and MarCom Group. That kind of recognition doesn’t happen by chance. It was the result of years of dedicated work in federal service, particularly in NAVAIR’s Recruitment Office, where I built a strong reputation for delivering results and leading with integrity.

Before retiring from my civil service career, I worked closely with NAVAIR leadership, and I’m proud that my professionalism and track record made such an impact that they requested me by name to continue supporting them in this new role.” 

Life After a Career in Public Service 

“What I’m most looking forward to in retirement is time with my husband, family, and the ability to just breathe! After years of putting work and service first, I’m ready to slow down and really appreciate life’s small moments. 

“We’re planning to take cooking classes together, explore the world in mini-vacations, and reconnect with our health and well-being.

“I want to be more present with the people I love and get involved with others in our community. Time is something we don’t get back, and I don’t take a single moment for granted.”

I want to be more present with the people I love and get involved with others in our community. Time is something we don’t get back, and I don’t take a single moment for granted. I’m stepping into retirement with a full heart and deep gratitude for everything this career has given me.” 

At MarCom Group, we pride ourselves on going out of our way to make an impact for our clients, and Kathy is an extraordinary example. Her knowledge, commitment to service, and ability to form connections is truly the measuring stick for how MarCom Group aims to serve each and every client. Thank you to Kathy, and happy retirement!