When Shannon Maccado joined GitLab, she realized she had visibility into everything — from companywide objectives and key results to strategic decision-making processes.
“I expected GitLab to be transparent, but I was amazed by the level of access to information,” the strategic account executive told Built In.
For Maccado, it quickly became clear that employees are empowered to have a seat at the table, bolstered by a culture that prioritizes people over output.
“The company truly lives its values, and you can feel that in every interaction,” she said. “The transparency, collaboration and ‘everyone can contribute’ mindset creates an environment where you can thrive, both personally and professionally.”
Since joining the company, she has leveraged her background in government technology procurement and implementation to help government agencies and public sector organizations get the most out of GitLab’s platform. And as Maccado continues to make an impact on the company’s customers, she gets to lean on what she calls a “tremendous support system.”
“The collaborative culture here has been remarkable, and I’m eager to deepen those connections as I grow in my role,” she said.
Below, Maccado shares more about her decision to join GitLab, how the company has exceeded her expectations and what she’s most excited to tackle next in her role.
About GitLab
GitLab’s AI-powered platform enables teams to deliver software more quickly while deriving insights through visibility across the software delivery lifecycle. The company’s platform also offers built-in security and compliance and enables organizations to embrace a multicloud strategy.
What drew you to GitLab, and why did this point in the company’s growth feel like the right time to join?
I was initially introduced to this opportunity through a referral from a fellow GitLab employee, which gave me valuable insight into the company culture and the exciting work being done in the public sector space. Their enthusiasm for both GitLab as an organization and the impact of this specific role was immediately compelling.
I was drawn to the strategic account executive position because of the unique opportunity to combine my passion for technology with meaningful public service impact. Having worked with large federal system integrators in the federal space, I understand the complexities and nuances of government technology procurement and implementation. This background positioned me well to appreciate how GitLab’s platform can help government agencies and public sector organizations modernize their development workflows and improve citizen services.
I’m also motivated by GitLab’s mission and values, especially the focus on transparency and collaboration, which align naturally with public sector goals. The opportunity to be a part of digital transformation initiatives that can ultimately improve how the government serves citizens feels both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.
Finally, the long-term, consultative nature of strategic account management in this sector allows for building deep partnerships and seeing the real-world impact of successful implementations over time — something I’ve witnessed firsthand in my work with federal system integrators.
When did you know you made the right choice in joining GitLab?
Having one child in college and another in high school creates a complex schedule of needs and priorities, and GitLab has been tremendously helpful in navigating these responsibilities. I can be present for important moments while still delivering excellent results for my clients and team.
What really struck me early on was how GitLab genuinely cares about its employees as whole people, not just as resources. You’re not just another number here — there’s real investment in your success and well-being. The support I’ve received from my manager and colleagues, combined with the company’s values-driven approach, made it clear within those first few weeks that I’d found the right fit.
“You’re not just another number here — there’s real investment in your success and well-being.”
What are you most excited to accomplish over the next quarter or year?
Having started in February 2025, I’m most excited about continuing to build relationships with all of the incredible employees who have already welcomed me like family. Most importantly, I’m very excited to help my customers achieve their software development, security and operations goals within the public sector. Coming from the federal system integrator space, I understand the unique challenges government agencies face in modernizing their development workflows while maintaining strict security and compliance requirements. Over the next year, I want to become a trusted advisor who can guide federal clients through successful GitLab implementations that truly transform how they deliver services to citizens.
What aspect of your professional growth are you most excited to evolve?
On a personal development level, I’m excited to master GitLab’s comprehensive platform so I can better articulate its value proposition to complex federal customers. The more deeply I understand our capabilities, the better I can help agencies realize the full potential of unified DevSecOps. Ultimately, I want to be known as someone who not only hits their numbers but genuinely helps federal customers succeed in their digital transformation journeys.
“Ultimately, I want to be known as someone who not only hits their numbers but genuinely helps federal customers succeed in their digital transformation journeys.”
What would you say to someone who is looking to join GitLab’s sales team?
I have never been happier in a role; I felt right at home from day one. All of my colleagues and managers have been nothing but supportive from the start, which has made all the difference in my transition and early success. If you’re looking for a great remote work opportunity with an incredible culture and a genuinely better work environment, GitLab is absolutely for you. The company truly lives its values, and you can feel that in every interaction.
That being said, sales is sales. You have to work hard and be committed to your goals. But what makes it so much easier here is the tremendous support system. From comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training to having a team who truly cares about your success, you’re set up to win. The product itself is outstanding, which makes selling it authentic and rewarding.
