Thomas Rondeau, principal director for FutureG within the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, accepted his 2026 Wash100 Award during the Potomac Officers Club’s Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29. The recognition marks Rondeau’s first Wash100 honor and highlights his growing influence on the Pentagon’s future wireless strategy and next-generation defense communications.
Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award, presented the honor during the summit, where Rondeau also delivered a keynote address.
Garrettson noted that Rondeau’s selection reflects the leadership and innovation he is bringing to the Pentagon through his work advancing FutureG initiatives. He also pointed to the strong reception of Rondeau’s keynote address, emphasizing the depth of technical insight and relevance of his perspectives for the defense and government contracting communities.
Following the event, Rondeau shared on LinkedIn that he appreciated the opportunity to speak at the summit and discuss a topic he called “imperative to our nation’s role in shaping 6G,” emphasizing “the critical role of software in the global race for wireless leadership.”
Why Did Thomas Rondeau Win the 2026 Wash100 Award?
Rondeau earned the 2026 Wash100 Award for his leadership in advancing the Department of War’s FutureG priorities and shaping how next-generation wireless technologies can be applied to national security missions. In his current role, he oversees initiatives focused on future wireless experimentation, emerging 6G concepts and secure connectivity that could enhance warfighter capabilities and operational effectiveness.
In his post, Rondeau underscored the strategic stakes surrounding future wireless development, writing that the nation leading in “6G software and standards” will gain a major “economic and national security advantage.” He said the FutureG Office is focused on a software-centric approach and advancing initiatives such as the Open Centralized Unit / Distributed Unit project to foster an “open, programmable ecosystem” that can drive innovation and ensure the delivery of secure communications capabilities to warfighters.
Garrettson highlighted Rondeau’s contributions to shaping the path forward for next-generation wireless technologies.
“With his deep technical expertise, strategic mindset and collaborative approach, Rondeau truly embodies the Wash100 spirit and signals an exciting future of impact across GovCon and national security,” the Executive Mosaic CEO added.
Who Is Thomas Rondeau?
Thomas Rondeau is a senior defense technology leader currently serving as principal director for FutureG at DOW. In this capacity, he oversees initiatives tied to next-generation wireless research and experimentation, with a focus on advancing capabilities that support future military operations and national security objectives.
Before joining OUSW R&E, Rondeau spent more than six years as a program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, where he led advanced communications programs. He also brings extensive academic and technical experience, including leadership of the GNU Radio project and a research background in cognitive radio and wireless systems.
What Is the Wash100 Award?
Established in 2014, the Wash100 Award honors the most influential and forward-looking executives shaping the government contracting sector. Selected through a competitive review process, Wash100 winners are recognized for their leadership, vision, innovation and significant contributions over the past year, as well as their potential to continue influencing the GovCon landscape in the year ahead.
Rondeau’s first Wash100 Award underscores his growing influence within the defense and technology communities and reflects the increasing importance of FutureG leadership as DOW prepares for the next era of wireless innovation and national security advancement.
Executive Mosaic congratulates Thomas Rondeau on his 2026 Wash100 Award.
Vote for Rondeau in the 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote Competition!
