After more than 25 years supporting military installations and public works operations, Shawn Garris understands what it takes to build strong teams and deliver reliable service. 

As Project Manager for Melwood Enterprises at Fort Meade, Shawn oversees contract performance and serves as the primary point of contact for the government customer. His career has taken him from frontline contract roles to leadership positions, giving him a deep understanding of both operations and the people who make them successful. 

When the opportunity to join Melwood arose, its mission immediately resonated with him. 

“I have family members with disabilities. Melwood’s mission is something that I felt was worthwhile and  that’s very rewarding.” 

Building Strong Teams 

Today, Shawn leads a workforce that includes veterans, people with disabilities, and employees from many different backgrounds. He believes successful teams are built by understanding individuals and creating an environment where everyone can contribute. 

“What I enjoy most is the extremely strong team that is around me,” he said. “That makes my life more rewarding because we can accomplish more things and help the government and the green suiters in the process.” “Green suiters” is a military term often used to refer to active-duty service members. 

Shawn’s leadership philosophy centers on trust and accountability. He empowers managers to make decisions, supports them when challenges arise, and believes strong results come from giving people the tools and autonomy they need to succeed. 

For Shawn, the greatest accomplishment is the Fort Meade team’s ability to consistently meet customer expectations. By combining operational excellence with a people-first approach, he helps ensure Melwood Enterprises continues delivering high-quality service every day.