Morgan Conque of Ashling Named Finalist for SMB Leader at U.S. Forces in Business Awards

Morgan Conque: A Leader Among Veterans

Morgan Conque, who serves as Vice President of Go-to-Market at Ashling, has been recognized as a finalist for the prestigious SMB Leader of the Year at the upcoming 2026 U.S. Forces in Business Awards. This recognition highlights her exceptional leadership and dedication to her field. The awards ceremony is known to celebrate the contributions and achievements of veterans in the civilian workforce, emphasizing their vital roles in contemporary business environments.

Born and raised in the United States, Morgan’s journey began with her service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). Her military career was robust and dynamic, serving alongside NATO forces in Germany, conducting personnel operations in South Korea, and providing crucial support in a hospital for Afghan military personnel. Her proactive efforts significantly improved the medical evacuation process, reducing the time from 17 hours to just 3. Morgan concluded her military service as the Medical Operations and Logistics Officer for the First Cavalry Division, supervising logistics for over 18,000 soldiers. This early experience instilled in her the ability to lead confidently and execute tasks under considerable pressure.

Transitioning from the military to the business realm, Morgan launched her post-service career by directing branch operations for a significant specialty infusion pharmacy team. Her transition to intelligent automation marked a pivotal moment, where she quickly ascended from a bid manager position to spearheading sales platforms, enablement initiatives, and strategic planning. Her education played a crucial role in supporting her rapid career trajectory, as she holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Seattle University, a Master of Science in Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness from Saint Louis University, and an Executive MBA from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business.

Currently, at Ashling, Morgan is instrumental in shaping the go-to-market strategy, fostering collaboration between sales, marketing, and partnership teams to navigate a rapidly evolving market landscape. She reflects on her leap into the fields of AI and automation with gratitude, discovering that her military discipline and leadership experiences seamlessly translated into the corporate world. She stated, "The discipline I built in the Army, leading teams, making decisions with incomplete information, and being accountable for the mission, complemented this field perfectly."

Despite the wealth of experience Morgan has acquired, the transition from military to civilian employment is fraught with challenges. Research conducted by ZipRecruiter, in collaboration with the Call of Duty Endowment, uncovered that about one-third of all veterans experience underemployment, which is 15.6% higher than their non-veteran counterparts. Morgan's story symbolizes the potential that military talent can possess, defying odds and achieving greatness in the professional sector.

Established in 2018, the Forces in Business Awards exist to honor veteran role models like Morgan, illustrating the impact and diversity of professions where former armed service members thrive. Rear Admiral (Ret.) Milton "Jamie" Sands III, the President and CEO of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, commended this year’s finalists, stating that their achievements substantiate the invaluable contributions military experience offers to the business world.

Morgan’s current role at Ashling showcases her as a driving force pushing forward mission-critical initiatives and expanding the firm’s capabilities in AI and automation consulting. Her co-founder and co-CEO, Marshall Sied, attested to Morgan’s unique blend of creativity, leadership, and operational execution, deeming her a deserving finalist of this prestigious award.

The winners of the U.S. Forces in Business Awards will be unveiled at a black-tie gala in the Lincoln Ballroom at the Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre on December 10, 2026.

About Ashling

Ashling is recognized globally for its AI and automation consulting and development capabilities, specializing in digital process transformation. Their mission is to create value for enterprises by designing and managing solutions that yield substantial ROI. With an impressive track record, Ashling serves over 400 clients across varying industries, maintaining a commitment to delivering successful business outcomes.

About the Forces in Business Awards

These awards stand as a prominent platform in both the United States and the United Kingdom, celebrating the accomplishments of veterans in the business community. They aim to spotlight successful veteran leaders while acknowledging companies that prioritize employing service members.