Clean Sweep! Michele McGough & solutions4networks Take Home Three Tech 50 Categories!

Michele McGough, founder and CEO of solutions4networks, is a force in Pittsburgh’s tech scene and a trailblazer in her industry. As the first individual to win three categories in the Pittsburgh Technology Council's prestigious Tech 50 Awards—Solutions Provider of the Year, Culture Leader of the Year, and CEO of the Year—McGough has cemented her legacy as a leader who understands the synergy of innovation, culture, and teamwork.

For McGough, 2025 was a milestone year, underscored by solutions4networks’ integral role in the highly successful IT implementation for Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal. Reflecting on the project, McGough said, “We swept away all the doubts that small and mid-sized companies can’t compete with the giants. We proved that doing things the right way, with integrity and teamwork, still wins.” 

This achievement not only demon-strated the capabilities of her team but elevated solutions4networks as a top-tier competitor alongside major IT integrators nationwide.

McGough’s journey is rooted in her Pittsburgh working-class origins—a foundation that anchors her drive to support regional powerhouses like U.S. Steel and PPG as primary customers. However, her focus is broader than business; she prioritizes fostering a positive and transparent workplace culture. 

Her belief in the adage “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” resonates throughout her company, reflecting her commitment to investing in her team’s well-being and growth. Winning Culture Leader of the Year was a personal highlight. “These awards aren’t about me. They’re about a team that shows up every day for our customers… a culture where people are treated with respect and given the chance to grow,” she shared.

The trifecta of awards culminated with the surprise recognition as CEO of the Year. McGough’s advice to fellow CEOs is simple yet profound: be hands-on, immerse yourself as part of the team, and know when to delegate responsibilities. It’s this balanced approach that makes her leadership style so impactful.

Through solutions4networks, McGough continues to prove that success isn’t solely about size—it’s about integrity, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As she humbly puts it, "Collaboration with our clients and mutual respect within our team are what drive every win.” McGough’s story is a testament to the power of vision and values in transforming challenges into triumphs.