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.

Comedian Rodney Dangerfield is perhaps best known for his line “I don’t get no respect.” One wonders if, in a previous life, Dangerfield was a chief operating officer. While the president and chief executive officer are accountable for establishing an organization’s goals – and meeting them – over time it is the COO who is charged with delivering results on a day-to-day basis. Operating down in the trenches, the COO is often overlooked and under-appreciated, but make no mistake: A company with a strong No. 2 holds a tremendous edge over its competitors.

To offer COOs a little respect, ExecutiveBiz has assembled its list of 10 Beltway chief operating officers who are especially instrumental in driving business growth and sound operational efficiency for their companies. You can find these 10 executives listed below in order of height from shortest to tallest (just kidding, they are not listed in any particular order).

Lawrence B. Prior III, SAIC

Prior assumed the COO role for SAIC in October of last year, previously serving as president of SAIC’s Intelligence, Security and Technology Group. Prior played a leadership role in the company’s October 2006 IPO, which involved a strategy to keep employees focused on client work during what can often be a challenging internal culture shift. Whether it is working on the IPO, global acquisition activity or establishing strategic alliances, Prior has proven adept at marrying day-to-day execution with the company’s long-term vision.

As COO, Prior serves as the company’s highest-ranking DC-area executive, and will continue to lock in on delivering top- and bottom-line growth for the rest of the year. Prior also remains intensely focused on the details of business fundamentals and execution, and expertly fulfills the day-to-day COO duties by tapping into extensive experience in program execution, and financial controls and functions. In an ExecutiveBiz interview last year, Prior cited “Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done,” by Larry Bossidy as his favorite business book. In Prior’s case, he has clearly been practicing what he reads — with great results.

Stacy Mendler, Alion Science and Technology

Mendler, the company’s first COO, is no stranger to our ExecutiveBiz top 10 lists. The employee-owned technology solutions provider relies on Mendler to manage execution of corporate strategy during what has been a highly active growth period – both organically and through acquisitions of Anteon and LogConGroup.

Mendler views her role as one of chief administrative officer; the person responsible for leading the company’s day-to-day strategy and execution. The formation of the COO position was in fact a testament to Alion’s growth, and with no predecessor or hand off, Mendler has made it her own, while continuing to play a lead role in executing the vision of the company.

Ray Winn, BearingPoint Public Services

In 2007 BearingPoint Public Services was like the New York Giants of the prime contractor community. While the usual suspects were grabbing headlines, BearingPoint quietly and matter-of-factly closed major deals and rose to No. 24 in Washington Technology’s Top 100 Federal Prime Contractors listing, an increase of over 60 percent during a three-year period.

One man responsible for helping the public services unit experience such dramatic growth is Winn. In leading the business and operational organizations for the $1.4 billion public services practice, he has consistently helped to register sizable increases in operating margins and profitability. We should also point out that if President Bush misses a Cabinet meeting and needs an update, Winn might be just the man to provide it: BearingPoint Public Services oversees and supports client delivery services at all 15 Cabinet-level agencies.

Terry Glasgow, NCI Information Systems, Inc.

It didn’t take long – roughly three months – for the leadership at NCI to realize Glasgow was uniquely suited to improve efficiencies and drive new business across the company’s organizations. After joining the NCI as Executive Vice President of Federal Programs in February 2004, Glasgow rose to Deputy COO and then in May of that same year to COO, reporting to Michael Solley, President of NCI.

Since that time, Glasgow has managed the day-to-day operations of the company, which was named to the Washington Technology Top 100 Federal Prime Contractors list in 2007. In January of last year, Glasgow added the role of president to his duties after Solley stepped down. In naming Glasgow president, NCI chairman and chief executive offer Charles Narang cited his operational leadership and role in driving a robust new business pipeline, one that the company expects to grow this year.

Robert A. Coleman, ManTech
Coleman has held the COO mantle since September 2004, and since that time has led day-to-day operations while playing a key role in helping ManTech grow both strategically and through acquisition. His acumen was on display when ManTech acquired prime government contractor McDonald Bradley Inc. for $76.5 billion last year. Coleman was CEO and President of Integrated Data Systems Corporation (IDS) until ManTech acquired it in February 2003.

While ManTech hasn’t quite yet met its goal of becoming a $5 billion company, it won’t take long — based on the rapid growth and activity Coleman has helped to usher in over the past few years. And throughout the acquisitions and growth — ManTech was named one of Business 2.0 magazine’s 100 Fastest Growing Technology Companies for the second consecutive year and to the Deloitte & Touche list of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in Virginia — Coleman has not taken his eye off day-to-day operations.

Gary Hobbs, Unisys Federal Systems

As is the case with top COOs, Hobbs wears multiple hats for the IT services and solutions provider. At Unisys, he is not only responsible for sales, service delivery, account management and driving profitable revenue growth within defense agencies, but also improving the overall operational effectiveness across the Federal systems organization.

Over his 30-year career, Hobbs has developed particular expertise reengineering organizational structures to maximize efficient operations, as well as generating new business opportunities. He is also part owner of ‘Ferrari of Washington.’

George H. Wilson, Stanley

While in the Navy, Wilson served on a number of submarines and his final tour was with the Tomahawk cruise missile program. When it comes to cruise missiles, locking in on a strategic direction to hit the intended target is essential. Wilson has applied that instinct to his executive role with Stanley since joining the employee-owned systems integrator in 1989.

Wilson oversees Stanley’s account managers and executives responsible for customer relationships, revenue growth and client base expansion. In addition, he is responsible for corporate development activities and setting the direction for strategic services, corporate communications, marketing, business intelligence and proposal activities.

Aided by Wilson’s efforts, Stanley executed a successful IPO in October 2006 (though the majority of stock is owned by employees), and the company has grown to 3,500 employees and become a go-to integrator for Federal agencies mission critical needs. This year has been a busy one so far: the company was recently awarded a $570 million contract to continue support of the Passport Program, and in January the company was named – again – to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list.

Dan Johnson, General Dynamics Information Technology

Johnson is another frequent focus of the ExecutiveBiz blog, most recently when it was announced in February that he would take over for the retiring Michael E. Chandler. Johnson is no stranger to the COO role, serving in this capacity at Anteon Corp., until his current employer acquired it.

Johnson officially assumes the reins in April, and will focus on continuing the firm’s reputation for delivering exceptional customer service in the areas of IT, systems engineering and systems integration to the Department of Defense, national intelligence, federal civilian and state/local agencies.

Mark Gray, INDUS

Like Mendler, Gray was hired as INDUS’ first chief operating officer. In that role, he has assumed responsibility for leading both operations and business development, while integrating the company’s business development efforts with ongoing operations. Though his role is a demanding one, he still believes that executing both functions in a hands-on manner is vital.

As the company grows, Gray is focusing on making sure that each business unit receives the resources it needs to succeed, while holding them accountable for results. Gray’s track record at Anteon and technical background serves him well as he seeks to help INDUS become a $300M+ company four years from now – a goal that will require aggressive organic growth as well as M&A activity.

Paul Leslie, Apptis

While Leslie has only held the position of President and COO at the Federal IT services and solutions provider for about four months, it is certain that we will all be hearing a great deal more from both Apptis – and Leslie – as 2008 progresses. With Leslie on board, Apptis will continue its focus on an “…organizational strategy that emphasizes its broad technology services offerings while expanding the company’s value-added reseller business as the Apptis Technology Solutions business.”

To continue to usher along Apptis’ growth in the Federal market – it ranked No. 44 on Washington Technology’s 2007 Top 100 list of the largest government prime contractors – Leslie will tap 13 years of technical and management experience at EDS. While day-to-day operations will be a vital part of his role, Leslie’s background operating in entrepreneurial climates – most recently as part of the private-equity-backed management team that founded Apogen Technologies – will surely keep Apptis innovative and nimble as it grows.

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.

ExecutiveBiz recently asked government contracting leaders their predictions in their industries for 2008. Here are their responses:

“Flawless execution and systems integration and engineering will define the hallmarks for 2008 in our marketplace. The need for effective partnership with our government customer will be of paramount importance. An increased emphasis on stability in requirements and funding will be complemented by the need for value-driven solutions!”

– Deb Alderson, President of System and Network Solutions Group, SAIC

“The close of 2007 saw an improvement in award activity that gives the industry confidence for a robust 2008. We continue to believe shifting government priorities caused by an increased focused on the intelligence community combined with BRAC and the return of some forces from Iraq will create higher funding opportunities for federal civilian agencies, department of defense, and the intelligence community.”

– Brad Antle, President & CEO of SI International

“Agencies will place more emphasis on exploiting HSPD-12 identity management card benefits for applications like secure physical and logical access, collaboration, productivity and worker mobility. Also, outdated ERP installations will drive demand for applications modernization initiatives as requirements for business agility, information sharing, and productivity become more pressing across government.”

– Dennis Stolkey, Vice president and general manager of the U.S. government unit, EDS

“In 2008, I expect government spending in IT hardware, software and services to remain relatively flat compared with 2007. I predict that contracting vehicles such as the GSA schedules will remain the primary way to procure commodity-like technology products and services.”

– Peter Ostrow, President and CEO of Technical Communities

“The trend toward the use of government-wide acquisition and ID/IQ contracts will continue. Since there is a shortage of the number of contracting officers within federal agencies, these contracts help streamline the competitive process and can help agencies get work initiated more quickly.”

– Stacy Mendler, Chief Operating Officer of Alion Science

“In 2008, government will be gripped by mandate-mania, as agencies race to meet looming deadlines to become COOP-ready and IPv6-enabled. Of course, meeting the mandates is important, but we should also be mindful they will help prepare the country to compete globally and ensure government continuity in case of a disruptive event.”

– Haywood Talcove, vice president, Public Sector Americas, Juniper Networks

“Dollars will become stretched as agencies hold off on the results of the election, and as our military presence in Iraq continues. Tier 1 and 2 providers will execute on strategies to secure small business dollars through means other than M&A. M&A deal flow will remain soft due to the SBA recertification rule that took effect last summer.”

– Raymond Roberts, CEO of Citizant

“With National elections coming up and the end of an administration, we believe agencies will stay the course with programs currently underway. New contracts will likely be limited to those with bipartisan support, with the remainder sliding to the right. We also expect qualified talent to remain a scarce resource both for government agencies and the contractors who support them.”

– Jim O’Neill is the president of Northrop Grumman’s Information Technology sector

“2008 will be another year of gridlock for contractors…

- Presidential election year politics in full display
- Legislative “one-upmanship” the order of the day
- Costs of the war will continue its ripple effect across the entire budget
- Reality of re-certification regulation will increase the chasm between small and large companies.”

– Bill Hoover, CEO of American Systems

“Homeland security, infrastructure, health, and ageing issues constitute the top priorities for our nation in the years ahead. We will need to find new and innovative ways to link the public, private, and civil society sectors, as a Megacommunity, to address the challenges that we collectively face together.”

– Mark Gerencser, Managing Director of Global Government Business, Booz Allen Hamilton