# Fran Craig

> Fran Craig founded Computer Strategies in 1988 and developed it into Unanet, a software business serving project-driven organizations. A mathematics graduate and former programmer, she retired from regular work in 2019 and remains a Unanet board advisor. Her philanthropy supports women in technology, including a $5 million Saint Mary’s College gift and a family gallery commitment to the Northern Virginia Science Center.

- **Role:** Founder and Board Advisor at Unanet
- **Organizations:** Unanet, Computer Strategies, AT&T, Carnegie Mellon University, GTE Telenet, DHL Courier, STEM for Her, Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, Saint Mary’s College, Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum, George Mason University GovCon Initiative
- **From:** New York, United States
- **Education:** BS in Mathematics, with honors, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, Programming training arranged by AT&T; no degree specified, IBM programming school, Doctor of Science, honoris causa, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana
- **Known for:** Founded the business that became Unanet., Designed the original concept for Unanet’s web-based timesheet in 1997., Led design and development of DHL Courier’s first worldwide tracing and tracking system, according to her Professional Services Council biography.

## Career timeline

- **1964** — Graduated from Saint Mary’s College with a mathematics degree; joined AT&T and received IBM programming training.
- **Before 1988** — Held technology and leadership roles at organizations including Carnegie Mellon University, GTE Telenet, and DHL Courier.
- **1988** — Founded Computer Strategies, a technology consulting and professional services business in Northern Virginia.
- **1997** — Conceived a web-based timesheet, helping shift the business toward software products.
- **1998** — Established Unanet as a software products business.
- **2011** — Appointed to SECAF’s board of directors.
- **2015** — Unanet released ERP software connecting projects, people, and financials.
- **2017** — Joined the Mason GovCon Initiative’s board of advisors.
- **2019** — Unanet received JMI Equity investment; Craig retired from regular work that year.
- **2022** — A gift from Craig and her children established the Craig Family Gallery commitment at the planned Northern Virginia Science Center.
- **2024** — Received an honorary Doctor of Science from Saint Mary’s College; the college reported her $5 million leadership-program gift.
- **2025** — Named STEM for Her’s Woman of the Year.
- **2026** — Inducted as a Loudoun Laureate.

## Achievements

- Founded the business that became Unanet.
- Designed the original concept for Unanet’s web-based timesheet in 1997.
- Led design and development of DHL Courier’s first worldwide tracing and tracking system, according to her Professional Services Council biography.
- Endowed the Frances Bardello Craig ’64 Leadership Program in Mathematics and Computer Science with a $5 million gift.
- Received Saint Mary’s College’s honorary Doctor of Science in May 2024.
- Named STEM for Her’s 2025 Woman of the Year.
- Recognized as a 2026 Loudoun Laureate.
- Received the 2016 SmartCEO Brava Award.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — The Loudoun Laurels Foundation reported Craig’s induction as a 2026 Loudoun Laureate at its annual gala.
- **2026-04** — Announced as one of the 2026 Loudoun Laureates.
- **2024-05** — Awarded an honorary Doctor of Science at Saint Mary’s College’s May 18 commencement.

## Links

- Website: https://unanet.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-craig-5030981

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/fran-craig
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-24