Arlington Capital Partners’ David Wodlinger Earns First Wash100 Award
Executive Mosaic is honored to name David Wodlinger, managing partner at Arlington Capital Partners, as a 2026 Wash100 Award recipient, recognizing his leadership in shaping private equity investment across the government contracting and national security landscape. His selection reflects a year defined by major portfolio transactions, new platform launches and continued investment in next-generation defense and government technologies.
As one of the key leaders at Arlington Capital, Wodlinger has helped position the firm as a major force behind GovCon growth, enabling companies to scale capabilities in cybersecurity, defense systems, software and aerospace. His Wash100 recognition underscores the increasing importance of private capital in accelerating innovation and delivering mission-ready solutions to government customers.
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Why Did David Wodlinger Win the 2026 Wash100 Award?
Wodlinger’s Wash100 recognition reflects Arlington Capital’s strong momentum across strategic investments, portfolio growth and industry partnerships aligned with evolving national security priorities.
Arlington Capital Achievements Under His Leadership
Arlington Capital closed its $6 billion Fund VII in October 2025, reaching its cap in under five months to invest in cybersecurity, defense tech, government software and healthcare tied to national security.
Firm leaders, including Wodlinger, highlighted strong demand for innovation in government-focused technologies amid evolving global threats.
The firm also launched Neumo and GRVTY to expand its GovTech and defense platform strategy, supporting scalable, mission-driven capabilities.
These efforts reflect Wodlinger’s focus on building adaptable platforms for federal customer needs.
Partnerships
Portfolio transactions have been central to Arlington Capital’s impact. The $4.1 billion sale of BlueHalo to AeroVironment marked a major exit, with Wodlinger joining the board.
The firm also expanded capabilities through BlueHalo’s acquisition of Ipsolon Research, while the $960 million sale of Stellant Systems to TransDigm highlighted its ability to scale and exit defense-focused assets.
Together, these partnerships and transactions illustrate Arlington Capital’s role as a catalyst for growth, enabling companies to expand capabilities, enter new markets and strengthen their position within the federal contracting ecosystem.
“We’re excited to award David his first Wash100 Award for his dedication to building and scaling influential national security contractors and directing private equity capital into defense and intelligence markets. As an almost 20-year managing partner of Arlington Capital Partners, David has completed more than 65 transactions, including fast-rising firms like BlueHalo and Micron Technologies,” said Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award.
“David’s multiple board of director positions at GovCon heavyweights AeroVironment, GRVTY and Systems Planning and Analysis demonstrate his respect across the industry. This Wash100 debut not only celebrates David’s impact to date, but also signals strong confidence in the meaningful growth and innovation he’ll drive for years to come,” added Garrettson.
Responding to the recognition, Wodlinger said, “I’m honored to be recognized on the 2026 Wash100 list. Arlington believes private investment can be a strategic enabler for government by accelerating innovation, strengthening supply chains, and scaling the capabilities agencies need. We’re focused on building transformative companies that deliver innovative mission outcomes and expand capacity across the defense industrial base.”
Who is David Wodlinger?
David Wodlinger is a managing partner at Arlington Capital Partners and a key leader in one of the most active private equity firms focused on government contracting and regulated industries.
In his role, Wodlinger helps guide the firm’s investment strategy, portfolio development and overall growth initiatives. He is frequently involved in firm-wide efforts tied to fundraising, investment themes and market positioning, particularly in sectors aligned with national security and government modernization.
Wodlinger has played a role in shaping Arlington Capital’s focus on defense technology, cybersecurity and software-enabled government services, helping identify opportunities where private capital can accelerate innovation and operational scale.
His influence extends beyond investment decisions into governance and advisory roles. Following AeroVironment’s acquisition of BlueHalo, Wodlinger joined the company’s board, reflecting his role in guiding portfolio companies through growth and transition phases.
Known for his focus on aligning capital with mission needs, Wodlinger has emphasized the importance of investing in technologies that address emerging threats and support government customers in a complex global environment.
What is Arlington Capital Partners?
Arlington Capital Partners is a Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm investing in companies serving federal and regulated markets, including defense, aerospace, government services, technology and healthcare.
The firm builds and scales businesses delivering mission-critical capabilities through acquisitions and operational growth, focusing on sectors with high technical and regulatory barriers. Its portfolio spans cybersecurity, communications, intelligence and government software.
Under leaders like Wodlinger, Arlington has emphasized platform strategies such as Neumo and GRVTY to drive innovation and integrated solutions.
Rather than competing for contracts, Arlington provides capital and strategic guidance to GovCon companies, positioning itself as a key enabler of innovation. Wodlinger’s leadership has helped expand the firm’s influence, aligning investments with national security priorities and advancing the GovCon market.
Executive Mosaic congratulates David Wodlinger and the entire Arlington Capital Partners team on their 2026 Wash100 Award win.
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