Integrated Solutions Group

In public sector transformational initiatives, technical solutions are often apparent, but successful implementation hinges on overcoming resistance and ensuring adoption. To achieve lasting change, government organizations need an evolved, customized approach that integrates seamlessly and adapts organically within their unique structures.

With extensive experience in change initiatives, project management, and technical advisory, Integrated Solutions Group (ISG) has built a strong reputation for managing challenging transitions and achieving seamless integration within government frameworks. This success is driven by the expertise of its highly skilled engagement team. The ISG team combines long-time state government professionals with seasoned consultants, leveraging best practices from both public and private sectors to deliver customized, high-impact solutions, even in high-risk environments.

“For the last three decades, we’ve supported numerous large transformational projects that impact Washingtonians. We’ve integrated people, technology and business, bringing best practices from both public and private sector engagements to every project and executing effective transformation initiatives that meet overall business objectives,” says Shawna Rasmussen, Principal at Integrated Solutions Group.

Strategic Solutions in Action

“At ISG, we strive to understand how each change fits into the broader landscape of ongoing organizational changes rather than approaching each project in isolation. This allows us to integrate our efforts thoughtfully,” says Katie Whitbeck, Principal at Integrated Solutions Group. “We prioritize embedding our messages within existing communication channels to reduce noise and help staff understand the overall impact of these changes on their daily work.” Some highlights of their teams contributions include:

Solitary Confinement Transformation Project – ISG is helping to extend the time inmates spend outside solitary confinement by four hours—twice the national standard. This effort is significant for individuals in the Intensive Management Unit (IMU), typically housing those with behavioral challenges or those posing a threat to themselves or others. The goal is to provide meaningful out-of-cell time through structured programming, helping them better prepare for reintegration into the general prison population and, eventually, society. This project presents unique challenges due to the need for organizational change, so ISG is working closely with both officers and inmates to shift perceptions of solitary confinement. It has also been developing strategies to facilitate this cultural shift, especially given that many facilities have undergone significant changes post-COVID.

Electronic Health Record system and a Patient-Centered Healthcare Model - Transforming how the Department of Corrections provides care to incarcerated individuals. This system ensures that the right information is available to deliver holistic care throughout the incarceration period, from intake to release. This modernization enhances staff visibility into patient needs and next steps, significantly improving DOC processes. The electronic health records system effort is scaling to provide organizational change management support across three additional Washington agencies providing enterprise support for user communication and adoption.

Integrated Eligibility and Enrolment (IE&E) modernization program - This initiative streamlines the process for individuals seeking essential resources—such as housing, childcare, food and medical assistance—by replacing the need to visit multiple agencies. Now, people can use a single application that consolidates their information, reducing paperwork time and allowing them to focus on improving their lives. By integrating these agencies, ISG ensures that mobile applications and services work seamlessly in the background. The company’s leadership has been instrumental in bridging gaps between agencies, making it easier for people to access support while driving large-scale organizational change.

Identity Access Management (IAM) Program – This will replace the current Secure Access Washington (SAW) system. SAW is the login portal residents use to verify their identity across various state services. This large-scale program will significantly impact both residents and agencies, and much of ISG’s role involves providing change management expertise.

Vocational rehabilitation program - One of ISG’s most notable engagements is its collaboration with the Department of Services for the Blind, which helps blind individuals find employment and connect with career opportunities. However, the program wasn’t achieving its desired impact, so ISG was tasked with identifying issues and implementing changes. The OCM team also played a pivotal role in helping the department set a clear program vision, assess effectiveness and develop improvement strategies. Between these two projects ISG advanced the program without creating any overtly negative narratives, ensuring milestones were communicated effectively and successes were highlighted.

Approach to Building Client-Centric Solutions

ISG’s approach to delivering mature change initiatives varies depending on the client’s situation. Sometimes, it handles the entire strategy implementation from start to finish; other times, it steps in mid-project to address issues. It begins by talking to the client and assessing the situation to determine which experts should be involved. Katie and Shawna quickly identify when a challenge requires specialized skills, whether in organizational change, public sector policy, learning and development or organizational design.

The team isn’t limited to career consultants; it includes professionals from diverse backgrounds, allowing ISG to tackle client issues from multiple perspectives. While many team members hold Prosci certifications in OCM, the company enhances this expertise with real-world experience to create customized solutions. Strategies are not created by a single person; multiple team members from all practice areas contribute, ensuring a well-rounded, collaborative approach.

“We’ve developed a collective toolkit that evolves with each project and client dynamic. We provide the right tools to help clients grow without overwhelming them with overly complex solutions,” says Rasmussen.

Driving Change Measurement

To ensure its efforts are effective, ISG integrates change measurement into all projects using surveys and regular check-ins. This includes assessing awareness, readiness for launch and post-implementation adoption. This measurement is a significant workstream, gathering feedback and refining its approach to ensure lasting impact. ISG maintains contact after project completion—not for business development but to show continued interest in clients’ progress. Dedicated to client success, the team often works long hours in challenging settings, resolving issues promptly and exceeding client expectations. Their ultimate goal is to empower individuals to excel in their roles.

ISG’s commitment to maintaining connections and measuring success highlights that the path to sustainable transformation is rooted in empowering individuals, assuring that organizations can effectively navigate the complexities of change even long after the project concludes.