The Team
At Ironlock Government Solutions, our team brings together a diverse group of public sector advisors, financial analysts, data scientists, program managers, and operational strategists—each with deep experience working alongside governments at every level.
We’re not just consultants. We are former agency leaders, transformation experts, and mission-driven problem solvers who have led major reform initiatives in statehouses, city halls, and public institutions across the country. Our backgrounds span strategic planning, infrastructure investment, data analytics, technology integration, and performance management—giving us a 360-degree understanding of how government works and how it can work better.
What unites us is a shared commitment to delivering results. We collaborate closely with our clients, embed within their teams, and provide practical solutions tailored to real-world constraints. Whether launching a multi-year capital investment strategy or conducting a rapid operational review, our team delivers with integrity, insight, and urgency.
Leadership, execution, and accountability—this is the Ironlock standard.
John "J.W." Rust
Managing Director
John W. Rust is the Founder and Managing Director of Ironlock Government Solutions. With over 20 years of experience in financial strategy, government efficiency, and program management, John has led transformative initiatives for state and local governments across the country. He has directed multi-agency operational reviews, developed billion-dollar capital investment frameworks, and guided organizations through complex fiscal and organizational turnarounds.
A trusted advisor to public sector leaders, John specializes in aligning financial discipline with strategic execution. Prior to founding Ironlock, he held leadership roles at Alvarez & Marsal, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Iron Ox Development. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a recognized expert in performance benchmarking, economic modeling, and government transformation.
703-861-1293
Aaron Scurlock
Senior Director
Aaron Scurlock is a Senior Director at Ironlock Government Solutions, where he leads the firm’s digital tools, data analytics, and technology integration initiatives. With more than 15 years of experience supporting government modernization, Aaron specializes in building data-driven solutions that enhance transparency, improve operational decision-making, and align technology with strategic goals.
He has overseen the development of public-facing dashboards, internal performance management systems, and predictive analytics models for municipalities, state agencies, and regional infrastructure authorities. His work frequently involves integrating platforms like Questica, GIS, and custom-built analytics tools to support budgeting, asset management, and stakeholder engagement.
Aaron is known for translating complex data into actionable insights and for designing tools that bridge the gap between technical analysis and executive decision-making. His approach is both strategic and hands-on—ensuring every solution is tailored, user-friendly, and built to deliver lasting value.
703-401-4691
Clinton Birchfield
Director
Clinton Birchfield is a Director at Ironlock Government Solutions, bringing over two decades of multidisciplinary experience in operational strategy, compliance, training development, and systems integration. Clinton specializes in helping government agencies and mission-driven organizations improve internal controls, streamline processes, and build scalable, sustainable solutions.
With a career spanning federal, state, and private sectors—including roles at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the Arizona Department of Economic Security—Clinton has led transformative initiatives in program analysis, contract oversight, environmental health and safety (EHS), and digital training infrastructure. His background includes the development of compliance frameworks, document control systems, and analytics tools that improve transparency and performance.
Known for his adaptability, systems thinking, and team-centered leadership, Clinton helps public organizations solve complex challenges through clarity, structure, and a relentless focus on execution.