John Heller, CEO of Amentum, has accepted the 2026 Wash100 Award, marking his 10th win and fourth consecutive selection to Executive Mosaic’s annual list of the most influential leaders in government contracting.
The award was presented by Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award, during a visit to Amentum’s office.
Why Did John Heller Win the 2026 Wash100 Award?
Executive Mosaic recognized Heller for driving Amentum’s expansion across nuclear energy, digital infrastructure and space systems while guiding the company through its first full year as a public entity.
His leadership secured major 2025 contracts supporting national security and global operations, including:
- Counter-threat finance: A $247.6 million contract award.
- MQ-9 Reaper maintenance: A $995 million Air Force award for fleet support.
- Digital infrastructure: A $120 million Z-series chipset processor capacity services contract from the Defense Information Systems Agency.
This momentum continued into 2026 with expanded work under the Navy’s WEXMAC TITUS program and a $656.4 million base operations support contract at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia.
Heller has been instrumental in expanding Amentum’s nuclear capabilities, overseeing a major 2025 strategic push across U.S. and European markets. A key milestone in this expansion was the establishment of the Oak Ridge Nuclear Center of Excellence, which provides the engineering and operational foundation for the company’s global power projects.
Who Is John Heller?
As CEO and a board member of Amentum, John Heller leads a global workforce of approximately 53,000 employees across 80 countries. A veteran executive in the government services sector, he previously served as CEO and president of PAE, where he guided the company through its public listing.
His career includes leadership roles at Engility, Harris and Netco, complemented by early experience as a U.S. Army logistics officer and a management consultant at Deloitte. Heller is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
What Is the Wash100 Award?
The Wash100 Award honors executives and officials whose leadership, innovation and strategic direction shape federal priorities and deliver measurable mission impact. Widely regarded as one of the GovCon sector’s most prestigious recognitions, the award highlights individuals driving progress across national security and technology modernization.
Heller’s 10th Wash100 recognition underscores his long-standing influence and his role in positioning Amentum for sustained growth across energy, defense and digital infrastructure. Executive Mosaic congratulates John Heller on his 2026 Wash100 Award.
Don’t forget to vote for John Heller in the 2026 Wash100 Award Popular Vote Competition!
