Parsons CEO Carey Smith Earns 7th Wash100 Award
Executive Mosaic takes pride in presenting Carey Smith, chair, president and CEO of Parsons, with the 2025 Wash100 Award for her transformative leadership in promoting growth in the GovCon sector. The seven-time Wash100 winner continues to be a cornerstone of Parsons’ rapid growth, strategic acquisitions and strong foothold in key sectors like defense, cybersecurity and environmental services.
The prestigious Wash100 Award recognizes the top influencers in the government contracting sector each year, celebrating their past achievements and forecasting their future contributions. This year’s edition upheld the award’s legacy, selecting a distinguished group of leaders from both the public and private sectors to receive this honor.
“Carey is simply one of the best in the business, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her back for her seventh Wash100 win. Year after year, she leads Parsons with the kind of sharp strategy and relentless drive that set the gold standard in GovCon,” said Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award.
“Whether it’s pioneering next-gen Army tech, strengthening national security, or delivering critical infrastructure, Carey and her team are always at the forefront. She’s a powerhouse, a visionary and an absolute force to be reckoned with,” Garrettson added.
Strategic Growth Through Mergers and Diversification
Under Smith’s guidance, Parsons has become a leader in integrating innovative technologies and expanding through mergers and acquisitions. Notable deals, including the purchase of TRS Group in February 2025, and the BlackSignal Technologies acquisition in August 2024, underscore her strategy to diversify and strengthen Parsons’ capabilities in providing advanced solutions to government agencies.
Her focus on strategic growth is also evident in Parsons’ ongoing expansion in the defense sector, securing major contract awards such as a spot on the $4 billion Defense Threat Reduction Agency contract in October 2024 and a series of environmental remediation contracts with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including a spot on a $225 million multiple-award contract to support USACE Northwestern Division and the Environmental Protection Agency Region 2.
These moves not only bolstered Parsons’ competitive edge but also positioned the company as a trusted partner for critical U.S. government missions. As a result, Parsons received the ”Contractor of the Year” award at the 22nd Annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards.
Parsons’ performance reflects Smith’s leadership acumen. In October 2024, Parsons reported strong financial results for Q3, underlining the company’s strategic positioning in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Leadership Beyond Business
Smith’s ability to lead Parsons through complex market dynamics while maintaining its ethical foundation is further highlighted by the company’s inclusion on Forbes’ 2025 list of “Most Trusted Companies in America.” It also continues to be celebrated for its efforts in cultivating a strong, ethical corporate culture, winning its 15th consecutive “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere.
Her leadership extends beyond business growth, with a keen focus on building an inclusive, dynamic workplace. In recognition of its commitment to employee engagement, Parsons was named one of Forbes’ “Best Employers for New Grads” in 2024.
Smith also plays a crucial role in advancing industry leadership. She has been actively involved as chair of Executive Mosaic’s 4×24 Group 1 Leadership, where she provides valuable insights and mentorship to emerging GovCon leaders.
As a consistent leader in the GovCon industry, Carey Smith’s influence is undeniable. Smith’s legacy of leadership not only positions Parsons for continued success but also sets a high standard for future leaders in the industry.
Executive Mosaic congratulates Carey Smith and the entire Parsons team on their Wash100 recognition. Cast your vote for Smith at Wash100.com.