Zolon Tech CEO Ram Mattapalli Earns 1st Wash100 Award for Driving Company Growth
Executive Mosaic is honored to announce that Ram Mattapalli, CEO and founder of Zolon Tech, has won the 2025 Wash100 Award for the first time. Mattapalli earned his first Wash100 Award for his long-term leadership in driving Zolon Tech’s growth since its founding.
Support Ram Mattapalli for the 2025 Wash100 popular vote competition. Cast your vote now at Wash100.com. Polls close on April 30.
Executive Mosaic CEO Jim Garrettson established the Wash100 Award in 2014 to celebrate the most visionary and impactful leaders in the GovCon sector and federal government.
Garrettson commented on Mattapalli’s win, saying, “Ram, a first-time Wash100 winner, exemplifies entrepreneurial success in GovCon. Since founding Zolon Tech in 1998, he has grown it into a trusted IT partner for national security and defense agencies, specializing in cybersecurity, cloud solutions and mobile device management. Zolon recently landed a major Army medical IT support contract and operates under key contract vehicles like CIO-SP3 and GSA MAS. With a level three SAMPI A Cybersecurity Maturity Model Integration designation, the company stands out in securing critical government systems.”
25 Years of Mattapalli’s Leadership
Mattapalli built Zolon Tech from the ground up, transforming it into a leading provider of strategic IT and managed services for government agencies over the past 25 years. The self-described serial entrepreneur and investor founded the company in 1998 to provide artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud, mobile device management and app development services focused on national security, defense and intelligence. Zolon Tech has since expanded to a workforce with more than 500 professionals based in several offices in the United States and India. The company has also grown to achieve an annual revenue of over $70 million. Along the way, Mattapalli established himself as one of the visionaries in the government contracting industry, as highlighted by his first Wash100 win.
Zolon Tech Achievements
Zolon Tech pioneered the global recruitment outsourcing model and software-as-a-service model to address the IT requirements of federal government agencies and commercial businesses, including Fortune 500 companies.
The company also obtained a level three designation in the Standard Cybersecurity Maturity Model Integrated Appraisal Method for Process Improvement, or SCAMPI Class A classification process. This achievement elevated the company’s status as one of the few international-class IT companies.
Zolon Tech secured a significant award in February last year. It collaborated with Pioneer Corporate Services on a $31.9 million contract from the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command for information management and IT support services. Under the five-year contract, the Zolon PCS II joint venture will support USAMRDC’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Information Management and provide military medical research services.
The company is currently working on a 10-year contract it received from the Department of Justice in November 2023. Under the contract, Zolon Tech is tasked with providing service desk and incidental IT support services, including help desk support, remote technical assistance, incident management, user account management, IT equipment and software installation and maintenance, and documentation.
Zolon Tech Contributions to National Security
In a 2024 interview with Executive Mosaic, Mattapalli highlighted three critical threats to national security and discussed how Zolon Tech is addressing them. The executive believes the alarming spread of malicious information campaigns such as fake news and disinformation undermine public trust, causing fear, discord and manipulation of public opinion. The company aims to enhance media literacy by leveraging technology, cybersecurity and collaborations with government agencies to address these threats.
Mattapalli also emphasized the significant national security risks posed by terrorism, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions. In response to these emerging threats, Zolon Tech is dedicated to strengthening its intelligence, border security, critical infrastructure protection and emergency response systems capabilities through advanced analytics, threat intelligence and interagency collaboration.
Transnational repression is another national security risk the company is addressing through the development of tools and initiatives promoting freedom of expression and protecting vulnerable populations.
Mattapalli on Navigating the Future
Mattapalli said it is necessary to “remain aware of geopolitical shifts, technological advancements and societal exigencies” to maintain a thorough grasp of the ever-evolving government contracting landscape. He emphasized the importance of the company staying up-to-date with the changes in the fields of national security, digital transformation, healthcare, border patrol technologies and veterans affairs.
Mattapalli mentioned the significant opportunities for innovation in developing advanced encryption, cybersecurity and intelligence analytics technologies for national security. Zolon Tech is also looking at the utilization of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics and border patrol technology to modernize and optimize operations.
The CEO also stresses the need to address the well-being of veterans. The company is intent on enhancing healthcare services for veterans, including providing them with means to have a smoother transition into civilian life.
To keep up with emerging technologies, the company plans to continue its expansion through mergers and acquisitions. Kirk Macchiavello, former vice president and general manager of national security at Zolon Tech, told ExecutiveBiz last year that the company intends to look at M&A opportunities in the federal market to enhance its technology capabilities portfolio and develop strategic relationships in the said sector.
Giving Back to the Community
Aside from making a name in the government contracting industry, Mattapalli has been committed to serving the community. Under his leadership, Zolon Tech has been involved with various outreach programs. The company supports Childhelp, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged children by fostering a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive along with their families and community. Other charitable programs Zolon Tech is involved in include the Western Fairfax Christian Ministries food assistance program, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health and the Enginotics 6 Robotics program where the company sponsors a high school robotics team.
Mattapalli’s generosity extends to his alma mater. The executive has donated around $50,000 to the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University’s business school. For his contributions, an interview room was named after Mattapalli.
Executive Mosaic celebrates the selection of Ram Mattapalli to this year’s list of Wash100 Award honorees.
Don’t forget to vote for him at Wash100.com.