DeEtte Gray, president of U.S. operations at CACI International, has received the 2026 Wash100 Award, marking her 10th selection to Executive Mosaic’s annual list of the most influential leaders shaping the government contracting landscape.
Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award, presented the honor to Gray during a recent visit to CACI’s offices in Herndon, Virginia.
Support Gray in the 2026 Wash100 popular vote competition before voting closes April 30. She returns to the race after being crowned the 2025 Wash100 Popular Vote winner.
Why Did DeEtte Gray Win the 2026 Wash100 Award?
Gray earned her 10th Wash100 Award in recognition of her sustained leadership in driving defense technology execution, strategic growth and workforce development across CACI’s defense, intelligence and federal civilian portfolios.
Garrettson highlighted Gray’s role in guiding the company through a year of major contract wins, continued technology investment and strategic expansion.
“DeEtte’s selection as a 2026 Wash100 Award winner is a wonderful reflection of the vision, drive and steady leadership she brings to GovCon every day. Over the past year, DeEtte and CEO and fellow Wash100 awardee John Mengucci have guided CACI to major contract wins supporting some of the nation’s most important defense, intelligence and civilian missions, including a significant DHS IT services award,” he noted.
The Executive Mosaic CEO pointed to Gray’s leadership in advancing the company’s growth strategy through mergers and acquisitions.
“DeEtte in 2025 also advanced strategic mergers and acquisitions, including the acquisition of ARKA Group, which expanded the company’s technical depth and market reach. Her steady focus on innovation, operational excellence and customer mission success continues to elevate CACI’s role across the federal landscape and sets a powerful standard for the industry,” added Garrettson.
Who Is DeEtte Gray?
Gray is a veteran GovCon executive with decades of experience leading large-scale operations and delivering technology-driven solutions to federal customers.
She oversees more than 20,000 employees as president of U.S. operations at CACI, where she is responsible for strategic planning, execution, market expansion and investment in emerging technologies.
Before joining CACI in 2017, Gray held senior leadership roles at Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems, managing complex national security programs and large technical workforces.
She began her career as a math and science teacher before transitioning into IT as a software developer. That early foundation in education continues to inform her focus on workforce development, talent pipelines and the advancement of women in technology.
What Is the Wash100 Award?
Founded in 2014, the Wash100 Award recognizes the most influential leaders shaping the government contracting sector. Honorees are selected for their leadership, strategic vision, impact on the federal market and potential to drive industry trends in the year ahead.
Executive Mosaic congratulates DeEtte Gray on this Wash100 achievement.
Check out DeEtte Gray’s full 2026 Wash100 profile to learn more about her work and achievements.
Support Gray in the 2026 Wash100 popular vote contest!
