David Wodlinger, managing partner at Arlington Capital Partners, has accepted the 2026 Wash100 Award for his leadership in driving private equity investments across government contracting and national security sectors, highlighted by major transactions, new platforms and continued investment in advanced technologies.
Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award, visited the Arlington Capital Partners office to personally present the honor to Wodlinger.
“We’re excited to award David his first Wash100 Award for his dedication to building and scaling influential national security contractors and directing private equity capital into defense and intelligence markets. As an almost 20-year managing partner of Arlington Capital Partners, David has completed more than 65 transactions, including fast-rising firms like BlueHalo and Micron Technologies,” said Garrettson.
“David’s multiple board of director positions at GovCon heavyweights AeroVironment, GRVTY and Systems Planning and Analysis demonstrate his respect across the industry. This Wash100 debut not only celebrates David’s impact to date, but also signals strong confidence in the meaningful growth and innovation he’ll drive for years to come,” added Garrettson,” Garrettson added.
Don’t forget to participate in the 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote Competition—voting closes on April 30. Support your most cherished GovCon leaders now.
Why Did David Wodlinger Win the 2026 Wash100 Award?
Wodlinger earned his first Wash100 Award following a standout year marked by major fund activity, strategic platform launches and high-value portfolio transactions that underscore Arlington Capital’s expanding role in GovCon.
Under the leadership of the managing partners, Arlington Capital closed its $6 billion Fund VII in October 2025, reaching its cap in less than five months. The fund targets investments in cybersecurity, defense technology, government software and healthcare technologies associated with national security priorities.
The firm launched new platforms, including Neumo and GRVTY, to expand its GovTech and defense capabilities, and executed significant transactions, such as the $4.1 billion acquisition of BlueHalo by AeroVironment and the $960 million sale of Stellant Systems to TransDigm.
Who Is David Wodlinger?
Wodlinger serves as managing partner at Arlington Capital Partners, a private equity firm specializing in government contracting and regulated sectors. He is instrumental in shaping the firm’s investment approach, portfolio development and growth strategy, particularly in defense technology, cybersecurity and software-enabled government services.
With nearly two decades at Arlington Capital and involvement in more than 65 transactions, Wodlinger has helped position the firm as a major catalyst for innovation and expansion within the GovCon ecosystem.
What Is the Wash100 Award?
The Wash100 Award is a prestigious annual recognition from Executive Mosaic honoring the most influential leaders in government and government contracting.
Each year, 100 executives and officials are selected for their leadership, innovation and impact on federal missions. Winners are recognized not only for past achievements but also for their ability to shape the future of the GovCon landscape.
Executive Mosaic congratulates David Wodlinger and the entire Arlington Capital Partners team on this latest Wash100 recognition.
The 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote contest has reached its final stage—voting closes on April 30. Support Wodlinger by casting your vote at Wash100.com.
