“25 CEOs You Need to Know," named Best Business Special Section by SNA (Suburban Newspapers of America) for the third year in a row, chose presidents and CEOs from small, medium and large organizations who not only run successful businesses, but also give back to their community in a charitable fashion.

Candidates were nominated by economic development offices from the state of Maryland. According to Cliff Chiet, Publisher and Vice President of Sales, The Gazette of Politics & Business, the top 25 were “the kind of CEOs who know how to execute their strategy. The kind of CEOs who can inspire others to follow their vision. The kind of CEOs you want to know!”

As president and CEO, Mr. Adams emphasizes “building relationships with my clients, exceeding their expectations, and placing trust in the men and women of SA-TECH to do the right thing.” The company’s focus, he said, “is on concrete issues, such as providing a quality product or service, cutting operating costs and maintaining customer service.”

The Obama administration’s commitment to small business excites Adams. Adams also sees a need to help mid-tier firms, such as SA-TECH. These are the businesses, he said, “that are poised to make tremendous contributions to the economic recovery. We possess the infrastructure, the experience, and the past performance to potentially, immediately create new jobs.”

The biggest issue facing the U.S. economy, according to Adams, is a lack of integrity. “Without integrity, an economic strategy is usually short lived....Companies displaying a clear commitment to ethical conduct almost invariably outperform companies that do not display ethical conduct....SA-TECH is committed to integrity — to always doing the right thing,” said Adams. The right thing, he added, includes donating time and resources to programs within the community and supporting employees in their charitable and volunteer endeavors. Adams leads by example. He serves as chairman of both the Privatization and Procurement Council for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Bowie State University Foundation, and sits on numerous other boards. His company supports Building a Foundation for Tomorrow’s Leaders Literacy Program in Prince George’s County as well as the renovation of the Maryland Room, an out-of-date reception and relaxation area at Andrews Air Force Base for wounded servicemen and women.

Married to Sheila R. Tillerson-Adams, a Prince George’s County Circuit Court associate judge, Adams has three children and works diligently to balance family and work. “As an entrepreneur, you have the will and the drive to work around the clock. But family is more important, and I have learned when to end the day and go home,” he said.