Jean Stack, managing director in Baird‘s global investment banking group and co-head of the firm’s defense and government investment banking practice, has received the 2026 Wash100 Award — marking her fifth time earning a spot on Executive Mosaic’s annual list of the most influential leaders in government contracting.
Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award, presented the honor to Stack during a recent visit to Baird’s office in McLean, Virginia.
Why Did Jean Stack Win the 2026 Wash100 Award?
Stack was selected for her continued influence on the GovCon investment landscape, particularly as companies navigate a dynamic environment shaped by digital transformation, private equity activity and evolving national security priorities.
Garrettson highlighted Stack’s role advising companies through complex transactions and strategic growth initiatives across defense, government technology and mission services markets.
“A Wash100 Award for Jean represents an extraordinary milestone and a testament to the lasting impact and trusted leadership she brings to the GovCon community year after year. With decades of experience advising companies across the defense and government marketplace, Jean is widely regarded as the go-to financial adviser who truly understands the industry inside and out,” Garrettson said.
“As managing director in Baird’s global investment banking group and co-head of Baird’s defense and government investment banking practice, Jean has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through major M&A activity, strategic advisory work and capital-raising efforts that help mission-focused companies grow and thrive. Her sharp insight, collaborative spirit and ability to connect opportunity with purpose truly embody the Wash100 values and highlight why she remains such a respected force across GovCon,” he added.
Driving Strategic Growth Across GovCon
Stack has advised founder-owned businesses, private equity-backed platforms and strategic acquirers through transactions that strengthen capabilities across defense and government technology markets.
Baird has supported a range of notable deals under her leadership, including advisory work on Expedition Technology’s strategic investment from Razor’s Edge and Enlightenment Capital; Kudu Dynamics’ approximately $300 million acquisition by Leidos; and Altamira Technologies’ approximately $375 million sale to Parsons.
The firm also advised SciTec in its $855 million acquisition by Firefly Aerospace, as well as Invictus International Consulting’s acquisition by Red River, supporting expansion in cybersecurity and enterprise modernization services for Department of War and intelligence community missions.
Who Is Jean Stack?
Stack is a veteran investment banking executive with decades of experience advising defense and government-focused companies on mergers and acquisitions and capital strategy.
Before joining Baird, she spent more than 20 years at Houlihan Lokey, where she was a founding member of the aerospace, defense and government services group.
Throughout her career, she has advised companies at critical growth stages, including founder-led exits, private equity recapitalizations and large-scale strategic combinations.
In addition to her investment banking work, Stack serves on the board of Inova Health System.
What Is the Wash100 Award?
Launched in 2014, the Wash100 Award recognizes the most influential leaders across government, industry and the broader GovCon ecosystem. Winners are selected for their leadership, innovation and impact on federal missions and the evolving technology landscape.
Check out Jean Stack’s full Wash100 profile to learn more about her leadership, investment banking expertise and impact on the GovCon market.
Executive Mosaic congratulates Jean Stack on her 2026 Wash100 Award win.
