
Parag Shroff is an experienced and dynamic corporate leader at 22nd Century Technologies, Inc., bringing extensive expertise in information technology, cybersecurity, personnel and human resources, sales and marketing, financial management, operations, and business development. His broad base of executive management experience stems from roles in both large organizations and start-up companies, showcasing his versatility and strategic vision.
Parag’s core competencies include strategic business planning, profit and loss accountability, corporate finance and budgeting, organizational development, staff and policy development, operations management, and sales and marketing development. His leadership in personnel and human resources further underscores his ability to build and sustain high-performing teams.
At 22nd Century Technologies, Inc., Parag leads the Commercial Practice, driving growth and innovation for the organization.
About 22nd Century Technologies Inc.
For over two decades, 22nd Century Technologies has established itself as a trusted partner, achieving significant milestones in the industry. The company serves a wide range of clients, including several Federal and State agencies, as well as prominent organizations such as Boeing, UPS, Northrop Grumman, NetApp, Spirit AeroSystems, Rentokil, Coca-Cola, Cox Communications, Carrier Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Rockwell Collins, Parker, Ball Aerospace, Raytheon, Iron Mountain, Kimberly-Clark, and many others.
22nd Century Technologies specializes in delivering comprehensive cybersecurity and compliance services, encompassing endpoint, network, and cloud security, 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) support, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT), and more.
The company also provides a full spectrum of staffing solutions, including contingent workforce management, temporary staffing, permanent placements, payroll services, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), and vendor-on-premises solutions.
With top-secret facility clearance, SOC 2 compliance, and Nationwide Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification through NMSDC, 22nd Century Technologies is positioned as a leader in the industry. Headquartered in McLean, VA, the company operates over 35 offices across the United States, Canada, and India.
How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?
When I first started working for a certified diverse supplier, I had the privilege of attending an annual GNEMSDC conference. At the time, I had little understanding of how to engage with the diversity and sourcing professionals I met. It was an enjoyable experience, and everyone was welcoming, but I wasn’t sure how to turn those interactions into meaningful opportunities. Since we operated in the life sciences and healthcare space, the GNEMSDC was a crucial platform for networking and growth.
During a matchmaking session, I met a diversity professional from one of the largest healthcare companies. I gave my usual sales pitch for our staffing business, only to be told there were no opportunities available. They already had the category covered and a long list of suppliers waiting. It was a disappointing moment—I felt as though we’d never win business with such a large company.
Over the next few months, I attended more meetings and gained a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed at diversity conferences. I realized that consistent engagement and a compelling value proposition were key. It wasn’t just about attending events but demonstrating why a company should work with us and how we could deliver unique value.
In the first year, we achieved a few small wins, which boosted my confidence. I continued to engage with the individual I’d met earlier from that healthcare company and eventually had the opportunity to meet a senior procurement leader at one of the conferences.
After 2.5 years of consistent follow-ups, relationship-building, and staying engaged, I received an email from their staffing MSP. The procurement team had requested that we be added as a staffing supplier.
Within six months, we had over 200 contractors billing with that company.
This journey taught me the importance of perseverance, building relationships, and delivering value. Being certified with the NMSDC opened doors, but consistent effort and engagement turned those opportunities into lasting success.
What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?
Persistence can get you to the door, but consistency is the key that unlocks it. I wish I had understood how vital this principle is, especially as a diverse supplier. Building meaningful relationships and proving your value over time are what truly create opportunities.

For more information on 22nd Century Technologies Inc., please visit: tscti.com or follow them on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook and X.