Agile Defense CEO Rick Wagner Secures 7th Wash100 Award for Driving AI-Focused Federal Modernization
Agile Defense CEO Rick Wagner has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Wash100 Award, earning the prestigious recognition for the seventh time.
Executive Mosaic proudly includes Wagner in the 2026 Wash100 class for his leadership in expanding Agile Defense’s artificial intelligence and digital transformation capabilities, executing strategic growth initiatives, and strengthening the company’s support for Department of War and federal civilian missions.
The Wash100 Award annually honors 100 of the most influential leaders in the government contracting ecosystem, recognizing executives who have delivered measurable impact and continue to shape the future of federal missions. Each year’s list highlights industry and government figures whose leadership, vision and momentum position them to drive innovation and mission success in the year ahead.
Vote for Rick Wagner as one of your favorite government industry leaders in the 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote Competition at Wash100.com.
Why Is Rick Wagner Winning the 2026 Wash100 Award?
Rick Wagner’s seventh Wash100 recognition reflects his continued impact across the GovCon landscape and his rapid execution since taking the helm at Agile Defense.
Wagner has overseen major strategic milestones, including the acquisition and full integration of IntelliBridge, the expansion of Agile Defense’s AI and digital services portfolio, and the capture of key defense and civilian contract awards.
Under his leadership, Agile Defense has sharpened its focus on full-stack AI services, cyber capabilities and data-driven mission outcomes — positioning the company to support evolving federal priorities centered on AI, secure digital infrastructure and operational agility.
“Seven Wash100 Awards is an incredible achievement and a true reflection of the steady, trusted leadership Rick brings to GovCon year after year,” said Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award. “As CEO of Agile Defense, Rick has led with clarity and purpose, growing the company while keeping a strong focus on delivering mission-critical solutions across defense, cybersecurity and digital transformation.”
“He combines strategic vision with a hands-on commitment to customer success that resonates across the industry. This continued recognition speaks to Rick’s enduring impact and the high standard of excellence he consistently sets in federal contracting,” Garrettson added.
Who Is Rick Wagner?
Rick Wagner joined Agile Defense as CEO in October 2023, succeeding longtime chief executive Jay Lee, who transitioned to a strategic advisory role and continues to serve on the company’s board.
Prior to Agile Defense, Wagner served as president of Microsoft Federal, where he led a $5 billion business unit delivering technology services to civilian, defense and intelligence customers. He previously held leadership roles as president of ManTech’s mission, cyber and intelligence solutions group and spent approximately 16 years at TASC, culminating as chief strategy officer. His earlier career includes roles at Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
Wagner’s experience leading cloud modernization, cybersecurity and mission technology initiatives across major federal platforms has defined his GovCon leadership profile — earning him consecutive Wash100 recognitions prior to joining Agile Defense.
What Is Agile Defense?
Agile Defense is a McLean, Virginia-based provider of digital transformation, cybersecurity, AI and data analytics platforms and services supporting the DOW and federal civilian agencies. Backed by Enlightenment Capital, the company has grown to more than 2,000 employees worldwide.
Driving AI & Digital Transformation Across Federal Missions
A defining theme of Wagner’s tenure has been accelerating Agile Defense’s AI-driven growth.
In June 2025, the company secured a $35 million DOW contract under the Data Readiness for Artificial Intelligence Development Basic Ordering Agreement to advance AI operations across all 11 combatant commands and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The award supports the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office and emphasizes data readiness and warfighter-centric AI deployment.
“This award is a clear validation of our ability to evolve quickly and deliver at the speed of mission,” Wagner said at the time of the award. “Agile Defense was built for this moment, equipping our national security partners with the data, tools, and decision advantage they need to stay ahead.”
Agile Labs, the company’s internal innovation hub, has played a central role in delivering secure AI prototypes and mission-ready digital products, including agentic AI platforms and virtual security operations capabilities.
The company further expanded its AI ecosystem through a partnership with Second Front Systems, integrating secure DevSecOps capabilities into its Agile Labs innovation framework.
Strategic Growth Through Acquisition & Integration
One of Wagner’s most significant strategic moves was leading Agile Defense’s acquisition of IntelliBridge in January 2025.
The deal expanded Agile Defense’s integrated platforms supporting national security, defense and federal civilian missions, strengthening its digital transformation and data analytics capabilities.
“The acquisition of IntelliBridge and partnerships like this with Second Front are pivotal steps in expanding our capabilities,” Wagner said.
By November 2025, the company announced the full integration of IntelliBridge, consolidating operations into a unified enterprise focused on accelerating delivery of digital, data, cyber and AI capabilities.
“We set out to build a company that evolves quickly and delivers at the speed of mission—and the market is showing us that this model works,” Wagner noted following the integration milestone.
Expanding Defense & Civilian Mission Support
Under Wagner’s leadership, Agile Defense has captured multiple new awards aligned with federal modernization priorities.
The company secured a $25 million Small Business Innovation Research Phase III contract from the State Department’s Office of Open Source Intelligence to deliver open-source training, automation tools and threat detection support for diplomatic security operations.
“Agile Defense is uniquely positioned to bridge mission needs with modern solutions,” Wagner said.
Agile Defense also expanded its support to the Defense Information Systems Agency under the Systems Engineering, Technology and Innovation contract vehicle, enhancing cybersecurity, mission operations and advanced analytics for critical defense information systems.
Additionally, the DecisionPoint–Agile Defense joint venture was added to GSA’s Polaris service-disabled veteran-owned small business pool and received a position on the Missile Defense Agency’s potential $151 billion Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense contract vehicle supporting the Golden Dome layered missile defense architecture.
The company further strengthened its Navy footprint through a $44 million IT engineering contract supporting the Military Sealift Command.
Looking Ahead
Rick Wagner’s seventh Wash100 Award underscores his enduring leadership across the GovCon sector and his ability to scale organizations around emerging mission priorities.
Through AI-centered innovation, disciplined integration of acquisitions and expansion into high-priority defense and civilian programs, Wagner is positioning Agile Defense for sustained growth and mission impact.
Executive Mosaic congratulates Rick Wagner and the entire Agile Defense team on his 2026 Wash100 recognition and looks forward to his continued leadership across the federal technology landscape.
Cast your vote for Rick Wagner in the 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote Competition at Wash100.com!