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Gina Abate
//November 3, 2022
Gina Abate
President and CEO
Edwards Performance Solutions
After working in various leadership positions in both the private and public sector for some 30 years, Gina Abate joined Edwards Performance Solutions, a computer and business services company in Columbia, in early 2013 as a senior vice president.
In June of that year, she was named president and in May of 2016 she was named company CEO.
“My leadership style is predicated on leading by example,” Abate said. “I enjoy working hands-on with my leadership team, assisting whenever necessary.”
Under her leadership, Edwards has expanded its offerings to include cybersecurity and IT services, which complement its enterprise management and training history.
During the pandemic, she said, Edwards went fully remote.
“However, we prioritized our people (both employees and customers) and community connection,” she said. “We leveraged teams and other platforms, regular communication and wellness-based programs to keep everyone connected.
“And even though we are leveraging a hybrid model today, our focus on employee wellness and communication remains.”
Community connection is a founding cornerstone at Edwards, Abate said.
“We are heavily involved in local and state chambers and many nonprofit boards,” she said. Employees are also encouraged to participate in community activities, both on their own and with the organization, whether it’s fundraising through a 5K, grilling at a food kitchen, or collecting school supplies.
Abate earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Lutheran University and her master’s certificate as a paralegal from Texas State University.
“As a CEO, I juggle the needs of the business, community, and my employees,” she said. “It is an honor to be recognized as a Most Admired CEO.”
