It’s no secret these are uncertain times for many in the government contracting space. With the upcoming U.S. presidential election, many companies are holding their breath, wondering how a change in administration will affect their budgets and staff. Weathering the uncertainty is no easy task. But many of the areas top CFOs and finance executives are up for the challenge. ExecutiveBiz went looking for the Washington, D.C. area’s top 10 finance executives — some CFOs, some not, but all showcasing the kind of leadership skills and eye for strategy to move their companies forward. What we found across the board was a compelling track record for overseeing their companies continued growth, now and well into the future.

He’s only been with the CACI a little under two years but Tom Mutryn already has a lot to show for it. As executive vice president and chief financial officer and treasurer of the company, Mutryn is helping CACI stay on the fast track as an aggressive IT industry operation and consolidator in the M&A market. Under Mutryn’s watch, CACI completed four acquisitions in 2007, raising the company’s revenue total to $1.94 billion for the year. That level of financial leadership also landed Mutryn another key distinction, when he was recently named the Corporate Executive Dealmaker of the Year by the Association for Corporate Growth. “We are very proud of Tom and his exceptional accomplishments in sustaining CACI’s role as a trusted national asset to the U.S. federal government,” says CACI president and CEO Paul Confoni. “[Tom’s] essential contributions to our mergers and acquisitions have enabled us to expand the solutions we provide to help our federal clients solve their most challenging problems in defense, intelligence, homeland security, and government services.” Mutryn’s strengths with mergers and acquisitions was on prominent display with CACI’s recent purchase of Dragon Development Corp. “Tom’s leadership, savvy, credibility and professionalism under pressure was instrumental in keeping all the complicated pieces together to get the deal into the end zone,” says Bob Kipps, managing director of KippsDeSanto & Co.

Look around ManTech International Corporation and you’ll see that Kevin Phillips has played an integral role in the company’s growth and acquisitions over the past several years. Phillips brings over 18 years of experience in government contracting to his work as executive vice president and chief financial officer of ManTech, and has led many crucial aspects of its financial and organizational growth. That expertise comes backed by seven years of executive management experience with CTX Corporation, which was later acquired by ManTech in December 2002. He has also held other key roles, including controller positions with IT providers to the government. These days, ManTech is abuzz with excitement born of vision — and a strong balance sheet. “We are excited about the prospects of our business as we are operationally well positioned for continued growth in revenues and profits, supported by our strong balance sheet and cash flows,” said Bob Coleman, president and COO of ManTech in an interview last year with Fair Disclosure Wire. And since ManTech went public, focusing on high-end intelligence and mission critical support, Phillips’ financial and strategic vision is helping keep the momentum going even stronger.

What a difference two years can make. When Joe Ragan, senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer, started with GTSI in 2006, the company was experiencing a short-term period of what Ragan calls “distress.” “There was some difficulty implementing a new ERP system,” he says, adding, “we had to recover … by recapitalizing and refinancing the company.” The company went through a restatement in 2006, and restated 15 quarters of prior results. But by 2007, Ragan had already helped rebuild the company, establishing new lines of credit just as it transformed itself from a traditional government reseller of IT products into a total solutions provider. Today, GTSI has over $300 million in debt capacity — compared to nearly zero in 2006. Scott Friedlander, GTSI president and COO, credits Ragan, who has more than 20 years experience in global finance and accounting, with providing the company a “steady hand” at a time when creditors and banks were concerned about the company’s viability. “His demeanor and steady approach to solving our problems not only got us through the very challenging first 8-plus months, but has provided a financial path for us to do even better in our transformation,” says Friedlander.

Tough yet fair-minded, he’s been called the kind of professional you’d want to see across the negotiating table. With over 25 years experience in the government contracts industry, Gary Shankman has been credited with focusing on the “real value drivers” in his role as senior vice president finance and group controller of Science Applications International Corporation’s Defense Solutions Group, headquartered in McLean, Virginia. “When you see Gary at the table, you know you’re in for a tough negotiation, but one where everyone is likely to come out ahead,” says Peter K. Wong, sector director of strategic development for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. That ability to benefit all parties was evident when Science Applications International Corporation and Northrop Grumman recently restructured their AMSEC LLC joint venture. “Gary was integral in helping the teams through this complex transaction,” says Wong. “His expertise and professionalism were instrumental in our being able to pull apart a $500 million business and then successfully reintegrate the pieces back into our respective companies,” adds Wong.

When it comes to a strong background in business growth, few can beat Bernie McVey. Since he joined Northrop Grumman in 1978, McVey has steadily risen through the ranks of the company’s financial and business management sector. Among other key roles he has served in the company’s electronic systems sector as vice president and business manager for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and naval systems. Today, McVey serves as vice president of business management and chief financial officer for Northrop Grumman’s IT sector. As vice president of business management, McVey leads all aspects of the business management organization’s strategy. McVey also oversees contracting, pricing, procurement, resources planning, facilities, and an ever-crucial financial reporting and forecasting, while reporting to Northrop’s corporate CFO. “During his tenure at Northrop Grumman he has not only succeeded in business, but he is also an exceptional mentor and leader with a terrific sense of humor,” says Linda A. Mills, president of Northrop Grumman’s Information Technology (IT) sector. “I have received tremendous feedback from Bernie’s direct reports and colleagues that he constantly engages them in business decisions, thinks out of the box, challenges the status quo and is a trusted advisor … he is a vital member of Northrop Grumman’s IT’s executive organization, and is helping to ensure our organization delivers on our aggressive goals and expectations.” McVey’s sound business wisdom has been recognized beyond Northrop’s doors. Just ask T.W. Scott, vice president and CEO of Raytheon Information Solutions. “Bernie possesses a knack to quickly engage and provide solid business wisdom in a manner that is extremely agile,” says Scott. “He handles tough topics and challenges in a manner that is highly respectful and very inclusive of all audiences and situations. It is always a pleasure to have an opportunity to work with him because he gives 125 percent and strives to make a difference for customers and partners alike.”

Throughout his career, Jeff MacLauchlan has led several high-stakes initiatives for Lockheed Martin. The results speak for themselves. Among other achievements, MacLauchlan led the acquisition of 12 businesses, valued altogether at $2 billion. Serving as vice president of finance and later president of Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications, MacLauchlan also oversaw the corporation’s exit activities, which generated over $2 billion in cash flow. In March 2007, MacLauchlan was tapped as vice president of finance and business operations for Lockheed Martin’s Information Systems and Global Services (IS&GS). In this role, MacLauchlan is responsible for all of IS&GS’ financial strategies, and works with the leadership team and corporate CFO to grow the business, expand market share, and improve cost competitiveness, among other responsibilities. “Jeff Maclauchlan is an exceptional leader who focuses his financial and business management expertise to ensure the success of our customers, employees and shareholders.,” says Linda Gooden, Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services.

He’s been called a “can-do” CFO, and “true professional.” Backed by 29 years experience, Steve Hughes serves as chief financial officer and executive vice president of operations for SRA International, a Fairfax- based company which focuses on providing technology and services to support homeland security, defense, and global health. Since joining the SRA team in 1981 Hughes has held a diverse range of positions including systems analyst, accounting manager, controller, vice president, and senior vice president of finance. But his most high profile role came in 1996, when he was tapped as CFO. Hughes has since been credited with overseeing SRA’s astronomical growth. “Steve has made a huge impact on SRA’s ability to execute its growth strategy, co-leading the acquisition and integration of eight companies to date,” says SRA President and CEO Stan Sloane. That professionalism is recognized beyond the halls of SRA. “I have known Steve since SRA was a $100 million company,” adds Rick Knop, Co-CEO, Windsor Group LLC, whose firm has closed several transactions with SRA, including Galaxy Scientific and ERA. “He has been a key, if not the lead, SRA executive in every major capital acquisition transaction of SRA for the past 10 years,” adds Knop.

Meet Mike Garrity, General Dynamics’ “secret weapon.” As vice president of finance and administration for General Dynamics Information Technology, Garrity oversees all facets of the Fairfax-based company’s financial, facilities and information technology sectors. “Mike Garrity balances a unique entrepreneurial instinct with a seasoned pragmatic approach to financial operations that make him an extraordinary CFO,” says Ray Whitehead, vice president of business development at General Dynamics. In his current role, Garrity oversees the company’s ISO-9001 Registered Quality Management System. Beforehand, he was the program manager for GTE Government Systems Corporation, and the contract compliance council chairman for the organization, Cost Accounting Standards.

Over the last eight years, BAE Systems, a $14 billion global aerospace and defense company, has grown by leaps and bound — ten times, to be exact. And BAE credits Bob Murphy, senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer for the company’s U.S.-based operating groups, for much of that growth. “Bob’s contribution as a CFO and sector president has been a significant factor in BAE Systems’ growth,” says Walter Havenstein, president and CEO of BAE. An active participant in all merger and acquisitions at the company, Murphy led the acquisition of the former Armor Holdings last year — at more than $4 billion, it became the largest acquisition by BAE Systems to date. Murphy first came to BAE in 1999 as vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Prior to his current position, Murphy served as president of BAE Systems Technology Solutions Sector, a provider of technical and professional services solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, federal civilian government, and Homeland Security sectors.
Marilyn Crouther has come a long way since her days as an accountant for an oil and gas company in Houston. In 1989, she began working for EDS, a global business and technology services company, in Plano, Texas. The rest, as they say, is history. Beginning as an analyst with the Corporate Shared Financial Services group, she spent the next eight years in various EDS industries, in positions such as financial analyst and manager. In 1997, she rose to the level of strategic business unit controller for the EDS Health Care Industry organization, then moved to the Government Group in Herndon as industry controller for Medical Information Solutions. Then, in 1999, she became CFO for EDS’ U.S. government business. “Marilyn plays a critical role in my organization,” says Dennis Stolkey, vice president and general manager, EDS U.S. Government and Public Sector. “She is an outstanding person, a trusted advisor and a highly valued business partner who contributes significantly to the strategic direction, growth and success of our U.S. Government organization.” Somehow Crouther also finds time to volunteer for worthy causes, such as the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund.

“Marilyn is a fantastic example of a business community leader dedicating her time in such a heartfelt way,” says Susie Kay, founder and president of HDSF. “Marilyn recently shared her story of life perseverance and dedication as a featured speaker in our monthly mentoring session … from her days as a student at Mississippi State University through her climb up the EDS corporate ladder, it was indeed such an honor to have Marilyn again giving up her time to speak to our future Washington, D.C., leaders and community members — showing our students that their hard work and perseverance will impact their lives and successes in the future.”

From strategy to service, dedication to varied experience, every one of these executives exemplifies the strengths needed to keep the area’s businesses strong. ExecutiveBiz salutes their hard work, and is proud to have them on a list of top government contracting finance professionals in the D.C. area.

Looking for a recommendation for your summer reading list? Be sure to pick up a copy of Megacommunities: How Leaders of Government, Business and Non-Profits Can Tackle Today’s Global Challenges Together, by Mark Gerencser, Reginald Van Lee, Fernando Napolitano, and Christopher Kelly. These four vice-presidents from Booz Allen Hamilton explain how tri-sector leadership — business, government, and nonprofits — work together to reach solutions for today’s thorniest problems. The book, based on interviews with over 100 leaders from around the world including Bill Clinton, Henry Kissinger, and Jody Williams, shows how a mega-community approach is countering devastating health issues, conserving the environment and natural resources, and helping communities to grow and compete. Check out this excerpt:

Our increasingly globalized and interconnected world is creating issues that are too large for any one authority to solve alone. We are evolving to more and more complex network structures where interdependencies lead to a much higher degree of uncertainty in decision making. And those decisions must be made quickly due to increased connectivity among and between diverse stakeholders. Large-scale issues of unprecedented complexity represent both critical problems and significant opportunities. The situation calls for a new type of tri-sector leadership in which government, business, and civil society work together in a coordinated manner. A megacommunities approach helps to unravel these complexities.

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A capacity crowd filled the Skyline Room at the Tower Club on June 3rd. Over 60 Washington area executives converged to see ExecutiveBiz’s CIO Expert Panel event in our popular Government IT Series. This event, made possible by Peter Ostrow of Technical Communities, brought together some of the leading CIO voices in the government in an interactive session which spanned wide ranging, relevant topics such as outsourcing and Web 2.0. Former CIO of the Department of Commerce, Barry West (current Executive Vice President at SE Solutions), looked right at home moderating a panel featuring Bill Vajda, CIO of the Department of Education, Linda Cureton, CIO of NASA and David Zeppieri, CIO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

Recently retired Dr. Renato A. DiPentima can point to an established track record of eyeing early opportunities to enter fast growing markets. As President and CEO of SRA International, Dr. DiPentima (Renny) helped to steer the federal systems integrator to explosive growth past the $1 billion milestone before handing the reigns over to Stan Sloane.

So ears perked up Monday when DiPentima joined the Board of Directors at Liquid Machines, Inc., a rising star within the fast growing Enterprise Rights Management (ERM) space. According to ABI Research, the ERM market is poised to hit annual revenues of $450 million in 2013, reflecting the growing need for organizations in both the public and private sector to more effectively safeguard sensitive information. Unlike other approaches to IT security, ERM operates at the document level by attaching rights and privileges to individual files.

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“Our Good Name: A Company’s Fight to Defend Its Honor and Get the Truth Told About Abu Ghraib,” opens appropriately with the Victorian poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley. Experts have interpreted the work as a powerful expression of stoicism; that one must rely on his own resources and remain true to his convictions through the darkest of hours.

J. Phillip “Jack” London and the CACI team faced more than a few hours of darkness watching the Abu Ghraib prison scandal play out mercilessly on the front pages. Those who know Dr. London were likely not surprised by the choice of poems, and those who read the book - unveiled during a book signing hosted by ExecutiveBiz on behalf of Dr. London and the CACI authors last week at the Tower Club - will find a man whose conviction refused to waver during a crisis that threatened to unravel a company built over 40 years ago in a matter of weeks.

In brief but spirited remarks at the book signing, London relayed that the CACI team drew from the 1982 Tylenol scare (hence my cryptic title) in preparing its aggressive crisis response strategy - part of which included the book. During the Tylenol crisis, product tampering with Extra Strength Tylenol in Chicago led to several deaths, dropping Tylenol’s market share from 35% to 8%. But Johnson & Johnson was lauded for its quick and aggressive response to the crisis, and in short order Tylenol was dominating the market.

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What often makes it challenging for investors and stakeholders to identify a market bottom is that the signs of rebirth can be invisible to the naked eye. And then you have deals like the one announced last week that whacks you like an ice cream migraine. Carlyle Group’s purchase of a majority stake in Booz Allen Hamilton’s U.S. government consulting business for $2.54 billion was a big deal - not only in size but for what it might signal about the credit market’s attempt to pull itself out of the abyss.

In a Wall Street Journal article (subscription required), Carlyle co-founder David Rubenstein offered that, “We think that the bottom has been hit in terms of private-equity investing activity and you’re now beginning to see the upward swing.” If that is in fact the case then the M&A specialists may be in for a busier summer than anticipated as, on paper, it will go down as the biggest buyout deal since last July.

McLean, Va.-based Booz Allen, will separate the corporate consulting unit into a distinct company, while CEO Ralph Shrader will run the government-focused unit now owned by Carlyle in a transaction expected to close later this year assuming it receives shareholder and regulatory approval. Booz Allen’s government consulting unit (one of the largest private government contractors) currently employees 18,000 worldwide and has experienced significant growth post 9/11 relative to the commercial unit - which some suggest led to the deal.

Booz clocked in with $2.4 billion in prime contracting revenue last year, and Shrader - CEO since 1998 - has orchestrated steady double-digit growth for much of that time. In pre-buyout comments to Washington Technology regarding the rumored deal Shrader stated firmly that it would only happen if the best interests of the firm were served.

Brian Lustig is co-founder of Lustig Communications, a Rockville, MD-based communications firm that works with growing technology and government IT firms. Lustig is also a contributor to local business and industry publications.

Successful executives and leaders will often, upon reflection, cite choosing the career path less traveled as a key to their success. In looking back on her accomplished – and admittedly unexpected – 28 years at AMS (now CGI) during remarks at the ExecutiveBiz “Been There Done That” lunch series, Donna Morea took that adage one step further.

(L to R) Donna Morea of CGI, Carole Brown of Northrop Grumman, Jim Garrettson of ExecutiveBiz, and Rich Klimoski of GMU

Morea, president, U.S. operations and India, CGI, suggested that trailblazers do not necessarily follow a well-marked path at all, and instead forge their own trail that only becomes visible once they turn around to see it where it has led.

In speaking to a packed room of business and government executives at the Tower Club yesterday, Morea offered herself as the quintessential example of someone who embraced an unpredictable and unmarked path that led a Studio Arts degree graduate (and race horse owner) with aspirations in photography to the executive suite of a multi-billion dollar IT services leader.

Accepting the path not marked was one of several nuggets Morea focused on during her lunch remarks. With a disarming, conversational manner, Morea breezed through heady accomplishments during her AMS/CGI tenure that included helping to lead three merger transactions, while offering attendees key tenets to her success.

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This week’s resignation of General Services Administration (GSA) chief Lurita Doan is the latest chapter in what has been a dynamic yet turbulent career spanning high profile work in the private and public sector.

Though the White House ended Doan’s tenure this week, it appears that the saga might continue for at least a few more days. Doan was a guest on Federal News Radio this morning, where she provided some additional detail on how her curtain call went down. Also, according to Federal Computer Week’s Christopher J. Dorobek, there may be some other interesting elements to the story as well.

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April 21-25 the SBA celebrated National Small Business Week with a series of events capped by a trip to the White House. Award winners from each state joined SBA sponsors, staff, and supporters along with the DC Area business community for this spectacular week of events celebrating small business.

Of the many awards presented during the week, Shawn Boyer of Glen Allen, Virginia’s SnagAJob.com walked away with the top award of Small Business Person of the Year. Award winners were treated to the sites of DC including the White House event with President Bush as well as a reception in the Dirksen Senate Office Building where they were joined by a number of Senators who have shown strong support for the small business community.

The week also included forums at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the pressing small business topics of healthcare, energy, government procurement, and global business. Current and former government leaders such as Former Speaker Newt Gingrich, Secretary Michael Leavitt, and Ambassador Susan Schwab headlined the event along side Tyson’s very own Shiv Krishnan of Indus and Tien Wong of Opus8. (Pictured Above)

The events moved to New York on Thursday and concluded with the honorary closing bell of the NASDAQ. This event caps the tenure of SBA Administrator Steven Preston as he will soon join the Presidents Cabinet as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

I felt like the paparazzi with my trigger happy digital camera snapping photos of Hollywood as they gracefully posed on the red carpet.

Stars of MTV show, “The Hills,” Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt

The Jonas Brothers                                Rosario Dawson

Rob Lowe and his wife, Sheryl