Executive Mosaic, the sector leader in GovCon events and media, is honored to announce that nominations are officially open for the 2026 Wash100 Award, marking the 13th season of the most prestigious and forward-looking recognition in the government contracting industry.
Founded in 2014 by Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic, the Wash100 Award enshrines the 100 most influential figures in GovCon, spotlighting leaders from both the public and private sectors who Executive Mosaic and its trusted voting committee believes will have the greatest impact in the coming year.
Nominations are open now on our website beginning today, Wednesday, Nov. 12, and will remain available through January 9.
“It’s always an extraordinary GovCon industry moment when Executive Mosaic opens the Wash100 nomination season, because it signals the start of a new year of discovery, appreciation and recognition,” said Garrettson.
“The Wash100 is about foresight,” he continued, “recognizing not only what leaders have accomplished, but what they will accomplish next. Each season, we see our honorees raise the bar for government and industry collaboration, redefine what’s possible in technology and strengthen the foundations of our national security. This year promises to be our most competitive, most inspiring and most transformative Wash100 yet.”
What Defines a Wash100 Leader?
The Wash100 Award honors those who stand out for exceptional performance across five foundational pillars — leadership, vision, innovation, reliability and achievement. Each recipient has already made a lasting mark but is also poised to drive meaningful change in 2026 and beyond.
Typical honorees include C-suite executives, agency heads, military generals and pioneering technologists advancing U.S. missions in AI, cybersecurity, cloud, space and digital modernization.
Anyone may submit a nomination for the 2026 Wash100 class through the official form at Wash100.com.
Why Does the Wash100 Matter to GovCon?
Since its inception, the Wash100 Award has become the benchmark of leadership and innovation in the GovCon sector. Over 13 years, it has celebrated the executives, policymakers and innovators who have shaped federal modernization, acquisition and technology transformation.
The annual list has included cabinet officials, service chiefs, agency directors and industry CEOs, as well as emerging voices leading new frontiers in national security and digital innovation. Together, they represent a network of influence that drives collaboration, mission success and progress across government and industry.
How Does the Wash100 Process Work?
After nominations close on January 9, Executive Mosaic’s selection committee will evaluate all candidates and announce the 2026 Wash100 class in late January.
The announcement will be followed by the popular vote, where thousands of GovCon professionals cast ballots for their favorite leaders. Each year, the vote becomes a spirited showcase of the talent, commitment and competitive excellence that define the Wash100 community.
Ready to Shape the Next Chapter of GovCon?
Help define the future of government and industry leadership by nominating a deserving executive or official for the 2026 Wash100 Award. Nominations are open now through early January at Wash100.com.
Follow Executive Mosaic’s media network — including GovCon Wire, ExecutiveBiz, ExecutiveGov and the Potomac Officers Club — for continuing coverage of the Wash100 season and exclusive features on the 2026 nominees and winners.
