If you weren’t aware, the Wash100 Award is not only the most prestigious honor in government contracting, but it also brings with it a hugely fun and anticipated tradition: the popular vote contest. After the list of the 100 most impactful and promising GovCon and federal sector figures is made public in January, Executive Mosaic accepts votes from the general populace to see who is the most beloved of the awardees. There is a constantly updated list of the top 30 ranked on Wash100.com, which is also where you should cast your 10 allotted votes if you haven’t yet!
The Wash100 Award is now a storied practice at 10 years old. It is the most consistent and accurate determiner of the hottest names in GovCon right now and who will be making headlines in the coming year. Thus, it is a forward-looking celebration as much as it is a commemoration of the year’s biggest deals, acquisitions, missions and achievements.
Run, don’t walk, to Wash100.com today to support your most beloved GovCon icons!
This week, about two and a half months into the competition, we largely saw a continuation of momentum from some candidates who notched strong results last week. SAIC CEO and six-time awardee Nazzic Keene arrived in the top 10 in the number 10 slot, after debuting on the top 30 last week at an illustrious number 11 placement. Keene is a formidable challenger to the current top 10, who have been tightly gripping their hard-earned spots for weeks now.
Just to remind you, the unchanged top five are Carahsoft founder and President Craig Abod at number one, Microsoft Federal President Rick Wagner at number two, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at number three, Microsoft Federal Vice President of Defense Wes Anderson at four and Defense Health Agency Director Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland at five.
Google Public Sector CEO Karen Dahut, a three-time winner, gained new ground this week with a climb from number eight to number seven. Keene’s SAIC compatriot and president of the company's defense and civilian sector, Bob Genter, inched upward from number 19 (where he debuted last week) to number 18.
Guidehouse CEO Scott McIntyre and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly also both ascended one slot, rising to number 22 and number 25 respectively.
Finally, making the largest gain of the week is Gen. Paul Nakasone, commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency. The Army general started off the competition auspiciously but lost his footing for a little while. Now he’s surging back, rising five spots in just a week to number 20. Watch out for Nakasone, he could be destined for a fourth quarter upset of the top 10 mainstays.
Tune in next Friday for your third to last 2023 Wash100 Award popular vote update! And be sure to submit votes for your favorite recipients of this year’s award before it’s all over on April 28 at Wash100.com.
