- The polls are open for one of GovCon’s most storied traditions—the 2026 Wash100 Award popular vote competition!
- Have your say in GovCon excellence—the public can vote for up to 10 standout leaders vying for the industry’s highest honor
- Voting is open through April 30. Don’t wait—cast your ballot today and make your voice count!
The race is on, and the winner will be determined by YOU.
The 2026 Wash100 Award season has reached its most electric moment, the popular vote, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. GovCon-defining leaders are once again going head-to-head, not just for recognition, but for momentum, prestige and the ultimate proof of respect and influence: the Wash100 popular vote award.
This phase isn’t ceremonial, it’s competitive, and the power to decide who wins belongs to the public.
Cast your votes today for the Wash100 popular vote and stay tuned to weekly, play-by-play updates on the race here on Wash100.com.
What Is the Wash100 Popular Vote Competition?
The Wash100 Award is the most prestigious accolade in GovCon and the popular vote competition is your opportunity to elevate the most influential innovators. Whether you’re new to the GovCon community or a seasoned insider, voting is a simple way to engage with one of the sector’s most celebrated traditions and publicly support the best and brightest in GovCon.
Why Should I Vote in the Wash100 Award Popular Vote Competition?
History tells us one thing loud and clear: every vote matters. In past Wash100 popular vote races, the difference between winning and losing has been shockingly small:
- A handful of votes
- A late surge
- A support base that showed up when it mattered most
These weren’t blowouts, they were thrillers, and they proved that YOUR vote matters. That’s why the energy around this year’s voting is impossible to ignore.
Across the Wash100 landscape, support bases are mobilizing. Colleagues, partners and industry peers are rallying around their favorite winners, amplifying their voices and pushing them forward
Friendly competition is turning into full-scale momentum because the popular vote rewards more than leadership. It rewards connection. This is where things get interesting—the popular vote is where underdogs shine.
Every year, there are expected frontrunners. Big names. Established power players. But the history of the Wash100 Award shows that once voting opens, assumptions mean nothing. This is where respected innovators find their moment.
Why Is the Wash100 Award Popular Vote Important?
The Wash100 popular vote isn’t about watching from the sidelines. It’s about participating in the outcome and cementing an awardee’s legacy in GovCon.
If you’ve ever believed a Wash100 winner deserves more recognition, now is the moment to act.
When voting closes, the results are final—and history has shown just how close the finish line can be.
The Wash100 popular vote is live, the margins are thin and the competition is fierce. The difference between second place and the top spot could be YOU. Make the difference—vote today!
Who Were Past Wash100 Popular Vote Winners?
Dive into the backgrounds of Wash100 popular vote winners and discover what made them popular vote champions.
Scott McIntyre
CEO, Guidehouse
2020
Scott McIntyre secured the Wash100 popular vote award in 2020 after an outstanding year that included Guidehouse acquiring Navigant Consulting. The GovCon world celebrated his leadership that helped Guidehouse become a global company with more than 7,000 staffers in over 50 offices across the world.
McIntyre also led Guidehouse to a spot on a blanket purchase agreement to supply the Government National Mortgage Association with software development IT services. Guidehouse, with this agreement, modernized the Ginnie Mae securitization platform by using revolutionary technologies including agile software development.
Dr. Stacy Dixon
Deputy Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
2021
Dr. Stacy Dixon won the Wash100 popular vote in 2021. She was honored by GovCon professionals for her efforts to modernize the NGA’s Global Enhanced GEOINT Delivery database. Dr. Dixon additionally prioritized the G-EGD database using satellite imagery that could be tapped by allies and other federal agencies.
Dr. Dixon also deployed a pilot that integrated radiofrequency data from industry with NGA’s GEOINT analytic platforms to bolster additional applications including maritime missions.
Lauren Knausenberger
Chief Information Officer, Air Force
2022
Knausenberger brought home the Wash100 popular vote award in 2022. Contracting professionals from both industry and government honored Knausenberger for her leadership in modernizing the USAF’s IT systems and her advocacy for using advancements in commercial technology to grow the service’s digital infrastructure. This included replacing legacy IT systems.
She also advocated for the USAF to boost its investments in robot process automation to help it improve data sharing and reduce overlapping IP processes.
Knausenberger is now the chief innovation officer at SAIC.
Lloyd Austin
Secretary of Defense
2023
Lloyd Austin was the champion of the 2023 Wash100 popular vote competition. The GovCon community recognized him during this time for his work integrating deterrence into the Department of War’s overall strategy. He laid the groundwork for U.S. and French cyber professionals to meet at the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence to strengthen their collaborations in cyberspace.
Austin also furthered Pentagon innovation in key emerging technologies by naming the Defense Microelectronics Activity a Center for Industrial Technical Excellence. This allowed the DMEA to broaden deliveries of the crucial microelectronics and semiconductors that power the DOW’s weapon systems.
Judy Dotson
President of Global Defense, Booz Allen
2024
Judy Dotson was the 2024 Wash100 Award popular vote champion due to her drive and leadership. She was recognized by government contractors for leading Booz Allen to an impressive $919 million DOW task order to deliver engineering and integration of technology-based services to progress the soldier-as-a-system concept.
Dotson also guided Booz Allen through expanding its engineering expertise by creating a novel Pax River Mission Systems Integration Facility. This helped the DOW develop and deploy advanced technology at speed and scale.
DeEtte Gray
President of U.S. Operations, CACI
2025
DeEtte Gray earned the 2025 Wash100 Award popular vote title, the latest accolade to add to her extensive collection. The GovCon industry recognized her influence in overseeing large, high-revenue federal contracts and critical programs tied to intelligence and cybersecurity.
Gray’s vision and innovation helped CACI become one of the top firms in GovCon with annual revenues of $8.6 billion for the calendar year ending June 30, 2025.
Wash100 Award popular voting runs through April 30. Submit your vote today!
