A firm with exceptional talent that unlocks value for our clients.

What We Believe
Building an Exceptional Firm
Mission
The Parnin Group’s mission is to improve the organizational performance of our clients by delivering sustainable results and building a diverse and equitable firm of remarkable and talented people.
Our Values
We believe in doing the best for our clients by using data and evidence, informed with our expertise and experience. We are driven by building a thriving, inclusive environment for our employees, and supporting and investing in our community.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of our business and we bring an equity lens to our work and clients since diversity provides a true advantage to an organization. We are committed to building an inclusive work environment that will allow our people and leaders to thrive, providing equitable opportunities and challenging assumptions about who can or should assume leadership roles.

Our People

Sukumar Rao
President and CEO
Mr. Rao is accomplished executive with significant experience in strategy, operations, and technology in the public, private and social sectors. He brings significant expertise in performance improvement, digital transformation, and organizational development. Over the years, Mr. Rao has advised senior executives on his areas of expertise - he is a trusted advisor to C-level and senior executive leaders in public, private and non-profit sectors. Mr. Rao has published several articles and papers, including his contributions as an author. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Marisa Sanchez
Organizational Development - Principal Consultant
Marisa Sanchez, PhD brings 25 years of experience in organization development and change management to build and sustain effective organizations. Her consulting approach uniquely focuses on achieving results by integrating deep knowledge and expertise in organization development, project management, and business strategy. Under the organization development umbrella, her practice areas include strategy and execution, change leadership, organization design and culture change, leadership coaching, team effectiveness, and facilitation. With her technology background, she offers expertise in organization adoption of new information systems and technology in addition to increasing organization effectiveness of IT organizations.

Sundee Cathey
Principal Consultant
Sundee Cathey is a human capital senior leader with 19 years of experience leading IT modernization and workforce transformation solutions for private, public and heathcare organizations. Ms. Cathey is a trusted advisor and liaison to federal government executive and senior leaders responsible for the planning, development and execution of strategic workforce plans to ensure high performing organizations and workforce. She has expertise in Program/project management, HR information systems, organizational design and development, policy development, training, learning technology, and workforce planning. Ms. Cathey is also a subject matter expert in cultural change management with proven ability to develop, execute and communicate strategies and processes that support stakeholder and user awareness, buy-in, adoption and commitment to organizational health and performance. She is a highly effective leader with a demonstrated ability to facilitate cooperation among clients, team members and stakeholders to create strategies effective at solving key organizational issues. She is recognized for cultivating solid relationships and for working collaboratively to accomplish results. Ms. Cathey possesses an undergraduate degree from Temple University and a Master’s degree in leadership.

Winston Kelly
Management Consultant
Winston Kelly is a management consultant at The Parnin Group (TPG) with in-depth
experience in the non-profit and government sectors. An alumnus of the Presidential
Management Fellowship (PMF), Mr. Kelly has a strong track record of success in helping
streamline operations and improve efficiency using data-driven approaches. Mr. Kelly is
a problem-solver who can identify key challenges and opportunities and develop
practical solutions that drive results. Mr. Kelly has a combination of career and
educational experience in public finance, organizational development, facilitation, and
strategic planning. In addition to his technical expertise, Mr. Kelly is also a skilled
communicator and is adept at building relationships and collaborating with clients to
drive successful outcomes.
experience in the non-profit and government sectors. An alumnus of the Presidential
Management Fellowship (PMF), Mr. Kelly has a strong track record of success in helping
streamline operations and improve efficiency using data-driven approaches. Mr. Kelly is
a problem-solver who can identify key challenges and opportunities and develop
practical solutions that drive results. Mr. Kelly has a combination of career and
educational experience in public finance, organizational development, facilitation, and
strategic planning. In addition to his technical expertise, Mr. Kelly is also a skilled
communicator and is adept at building relationships and collaborating with clients to
drive successful outcomes.

Anne Prendergast
Management Consultant
Anne Prendergast is a management consultant at The Parnin Group (TPG) with experience in both the non-profit and federal government sectors. With a master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Anne has a strong track record of applying scientific principles and research methods to issues surrounding organizational performance. Ms. Prendergast has helped federal agencies develop and implement enterprise-wide strategies that streamline workforce and talent management processes, including position management, succession planning, learning and development, recruitment, and performance management. Ms. Prendergast is a strong collaborator and innovative thinker who enjoys solving complex problems to drive positive outcomes for her clients.

Brett Wiedoff
Senior Consultant
Brett Wiedoff has twenty years of experience managing state and federal commercial fisheries. This includes working with the public, as well as state, federal, nongovernment and international agencies to develop or modify regulations that protect the environment and enhance fisheries management. Brett specializes in running public meetings with stakeholders and developing environmental impact analyses that create balanced solutions for all users of the natural resources.
Brett has a Bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, and has completed graduate level work at Oregon State University. Brett worked for Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission as a data analyst, for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife as a technical assistant and Project Leader for nearshore and coastal pelagic commercial fisheries. Brett also worked for five years at National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Office as a natural resource specialist for highly migratory species and international fisheries, and worked ten years as a Staff Officer for the Pacific Fishery Management Council.

Duncan Wood
Management Consultant
Duncan Wood is a management consultant at The Parnin Group (TPG) with experience providing services across multiple federal government agencies. He focuses on a detail-oriented approach utilizing quantitative and qualitative analysis to provide effective solutions for his clients. Mr. Wood has worked with federal agencies on improving processes, efficiency, and implementation, including in project management, competitiveness analysis, policy analysis, organizational review, and compliance monitoring. He is experienced with collaborating with teams and projects spread across multiple time zones and countries, and is skilled at building relationships and communicating with clients to best achieve effective results. Mr. Wood also holds a master’s degree in International Affairs and has a background in international policy and trade.

Flor Azul Lorenzo
Management Consultant
Flor Azul Lorenzo is a Management Consultant at The Parnin Group, where she draws on her extensive experience in program development, strategic planning, and policy development.
Ms. Lorenzo brings a wealth of experience in both the nonprofit sector and local government, driving effective policy initiatives. While at Beneficial State Foundation, she played a key role in developing California’s clean vehicle program policy and communications. She attributes much of her curiosity and leadership to the Coro Public Affairs Fellowship Program in San Francisco, where she led the creation of California’s State Coastal Conservancy Beach Wheelchair Grant Program and supported the management and implementation of GRID Alternatives’ One-Stop-Shop (OSS) Pilot Project, which focused on increasing electric vehicle adoption in disadvantaged communities. She also helped enhance civic engagement by mobilizing key stakeholders. At the local level, she developed strategic plans, evaluated racial equity initiatives, and analyzed budget data to advise leadership on fiscal year budget plans, helping to shape the strategic goals set by the local government.
Ms. Lorenzo earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan.
She will now leverage her extensive experience to counsel federal agencies in developing both short- and long-term strategic plans.
Testimonials
The Parnin team brings exceptional people, always putting our interest and value at the center.
Chief Executive Officer
Private Sector company
I have seen very few companies that are focused on building capacity in their client organizations.
Branch Chief
Federal Agency
It was a pleasure to work with Parnin Group. They bring a fresh perspective and are committed to providing lasting results.
Program Director
Federal Agency
Giving Back to the Community
As a small business, we value the connection to our community, and we are invested in our community by giving our time, talent and financial support. As part of our community involvement, we will look for ways to support our local businesses.
The Parnin Group is proud to support The Child and Family Network Centers (CFNC), a non-profit, based in Alexandria that provides caring, high quality, free education and related services to children and families in their own neighborhoods.

Our Clients (select list)






