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, the Washington DC area’s premier executive group and eMagazine, has compiled a listing of our top ten new at the top government contracting executives. We’ve chosen these 10 individuals because they have a demonstrated track record of success, arrive at a time when their current employers are in the midst of aggressive growth and expansion efforts, or will be succeeding some of the most well-known and respected names in the business.

While some of the names may be recognized from previous positions, the current roles represent new challenges. For example, BAE Systems kicks off 2008 by absorbing MTC Technologies Inc. in a recently announced $450 million acquisition; SAIC will be assisting the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command of San Diego with program management services under a new contract worth as much as $70 million over five years.; and SRA International will be looking to remain a desired spot for top talent after being named by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 best companies to work for in 2007.

We hope you will join us in the coming year in watching these elite executives perform in one of the world’s most competitive arenas: Government Contracting.

John Hillen – President, Global Strategies Group LLC
Assumed Role: February 2007

With a career that has put him in just about every global hot spot on the map, few enter the executive hot seat with as many tried and tested skills as Hillen. From his time in the Army as a paratrooper and with Special Ops; to his role as head of the defense and intelligence business at AMS; and most recently a stint as Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, Hillen is poised to make Global Strategies Group a name to watch in 2008.

Global Strategies is already turning heads as a unique breed offering high end, integrated national security solutions designed to strengthen national defenses, stabilize critical environments and assure worldwide commerce. The firm has played a key role in some of the most high profile international hot spots, for example laying the foundations for Afghanistan’s first national elections and managing security and operations at Baghdad International Airport.

Dr. Stanton “Stan” D. Sloane – President & CEO, SRA International
Assumed Role: April 2007

When an executive assumes the position from a man known around town by a single name – Renny – you know that you are following a true institution. Dr. Renato DiPentima spent 12 years at SRA, growing it past the $1 billion mark and establishing the company as a top area government contractor.

Now past the $1 billion revenue threshold, SRA is looking for even more growth, and Sloane’s deep and balanced military and private industry experience - most recently as EVP at Lockheed Martin - makes him ideally suited to drive it.

Dennis Stolkey – Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Government at EDS
Assumed Role: August 2007

The $20 billion technology services industry leader started modestly with a $1,000 investment 44 years ago, (try and match that ROI Google!) and even today considers itself a company of “ordinary people, extraordinary achievements.”

In taking over the helm of EDS’ public sector business from Jim Duffy, Dennis Stolkey will look to preserve the firm’s everyman (and woman) approach while deepening and extending relationships with federal, state and local government clients, and senior military officers.

While Stolkey is new to his current post, he is no stranger to EDS employees after serving as Vice President in several strategic areas of the company. Stolkey joined the company over 20 years ago, and is now leading the charge for government business.

Lee Carrick – President, Perot Systems Government Services Unit
Assumed Role: December 2007

When Jim Ballard stepped down as president of Perot Systems Government Services last month after five years with the company, he could look back on a period of rapid growth for the Unit, which currently accounts for more than $550 million of annualized revenue and employs more than 3,300 associates.

But, as Ballard pointed out in the news release announcing his retirement, the Government Services Division is in highly capable hands with Eugene “Lee” Carrick taking over as president. While Carrick most recently served as EVP for National Security at Perot Systems, he brings plenty of Federal experience to bear after 26+ years working in the intelligence, defense and civilian markets.

Carrick can point to his success directing the $480 million federal IT division at Northrop Grumman as indication of the growth and financial results he expects to deliver in his new position.

Lawrence “Larry” B. Prior III – Chief Operating Officer, SAIC
Assumed Role: October 2007

With more than 11,000 employees, the Intelligence, Security and Technology Group that Prior led before becoming COO is not only the largest line organization at the San Diego-based company, but one of the largest support organizations in the entire intelligence community.

Now, as COO, Prior elevates to the company’s highest-ranking Washington, DC-area executive position, where he will focus on delivering top- and bottom-line growth and to fulfill the goals set out in the initial public offering. With a strong background in financial controls and functions, Prior will seek to extend the results he achieved for the Intelligence, Security and Technology Group across the entire 44,000-employee organization.

Duane Andrews – Chief Executive Officer, QinetiQ North America
Assumed Role: June 2006

While Prior is ascending the ranks at SAIC, the man who had previously occupied that very COO seat is now CEO of QinetiQ North America, an international defense and security technology company spawned in 2001 from the British government’s Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.

Since Andrews took over North America operations – which are run out of McLean, Virginia – QinetiQ has become an increasingly familiar name attached to large contract wins. The firm’s public sector business has grown both organically and through acquisition – most notably Apogen Technologies, Westar Aerospace & Defense Group and Foster-Miller, and former CIA Director George Tenet joined its Advisory Board in October 2006.

Paul Cofoni – Chief Executive Officer, CACI
Assumed Role: July 2007

One could argue that a successor’s ability to execute quickly and effectively is tied to the quality of the succession plan put in place. CACI Chairman and former CEO Jack London understood this better than most, which is why he devoted tremendous time and energy to identifying the right leader to carry CACI forward when he stopped down last year.

For London, that leader was Paul Cofoni, and the two men worked hand in hand for the two years after Cofoni arrived from CSC in 2005. CACI – like many other contractors – aspires for the tier one status. And since arriving from CSC, Cofoni has led that charge, eschewing smaller deals in favor of $100m+ contracts and working to ensure that CACI assembles the resources and personnel required to service those large bids.

Walt Havenstein – COO, BAE Systems plc
President and CEO, BAE Systems, Inc.
Assumed Role: January 2007

In his role as CEO for the $27 billion global aerospace and defense company; in addition to serving as President and CEO for the Company’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary that employs 53,000 employees, there is little doubt that Havenstein taps into every bit of his 24 years of experience in the defense industry. As referenced, BAE Systems recently got even bigger with the acquisition of MTC Technologies, which allows the firm to expand its service lines and grow business in six core markets.

Stacy Mendler - Chief Operating Officer, Alion Science and Technology
Assumed Role: September 2006

In what can be the clubby, male-dominated world of government contracting, Stacy Mendler has stood out – not for her gender but for her genuine accomplishments. Mendler, the company’s first COO, has managed execution of corporate strategy for the company through tremendous growth achieved organically and through acquisitions of firms such as Anteon and LogConGroup.

Mendler – and Alion – moved front and center in 2007 with numerous awards and contract wins. The employee-owned technology solutions provider has grown significantly since its formation in 2002 when roughly 1,600 employees of the IIT Research Institute (IITRI) - founded in 1936 - purchased the majority of assets of IITRI, creating a 100% ESOP-owned company. By the end of 2006 the company registered over one-half billion in revenue and the employee head count totaled 3,500.

Ed Casey – Chairman and CEO, Serco Inc. (North America)
Assumed Role: January 2006

There are many roads that lead to the C-Suite of government contractors, and as Ed Casey has proven, not all take a long and winding path through the Defense, Federal and Intelligence communities. Casey joined Serco after 25 years as a growth-oriented business executive and entrepreneur. As a managing director with UBS Warburg and at a private equity fund, Casey brought in the financial chops to assemble a financially-sound, growth-oriented business plan – and he has been executing it ever since (no surprise that Serco ranked #10 in price-to-earnings ratio for the Washington Technology 2007 Top 100 List).

Serco provides IT services to civilian and defense agencies that often go beyond the traditional contractor work, and Casey’s focus has been on not only integrated previous acquisitions, but pushing the company’s revenues well beyond the roughly half-billion mark it stood at when he came aboard.

Based on the size of the companies they now lead and the executives they succeed, the ten individuals on this list are not ones to shy away from a challenge. While there are certainly a few viable candidates who didn’t make the list, these are our picks for the ten “New at the Top” executives who will be driving innovation and making news in 2008.

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