Celebrating the 2024 GovCon Hall of Fame Inductee and Public Sector Partner

In Chamber Blog by admin

Each year, the Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards (GovCon Awards) shine a spotlight on exceptional leadership and significant contributions within the government contracting community. This year, Mac Curtis, Chairperson of the Board for Cubic Corporation, will be presented with the prestigious LaFleur-Chason Hall of Fame Award—formally known as the Hall of Fame Award. This recognition honors individuals for their unparalleled professional excellence and lifelong commitment to the community and the government contracting industry.

With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Curtis is renowned for his strategic leadership and deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions. During his 15-year tenure as CEO, he successfully led over 25 acquisitions, totaling more than $8.5 billion in transactions. Beyond his business accomplishments, Curtis is passionately involved in veteran service initiatives, serving on several nonprofit boards, including the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority and the Military Bowl Foundation. His exemplary leadership was previously recognized with the GovCon Executive of the Year Award in 2019 and Company of the Year in 2011, cementing his legacy within the Greater Washington Region.

Curtis shared his views on the future of government contracting, stating, "There is a partnership between industry and our government customers that is critical to drive mission success. From delivering student financial aid, building systems for more efficient Medicare and Medicaid delivery, to protecting the homeland. We are inextricably linked to serve our citizens. It’s a very competitive and regulated market that should award contracts based on innovation, efficiency and ensuring the best value to the customer. And that is a recipe that drives innovation leading to growth.”

NVC and PSC are also excited to announce that the Public Sector Partner will be presented to Karla Smith Jackson, Senior Procurement Executive, Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer, and Assistant Administrator for the Office of Procurement at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This recognition is granted to a federal government procurement professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in fostering collaboration between the private sector and government, while driving change within the procurement community.

Jackson stands as a trailblazer in federal procurement, overseeing critical acquisition policy for NASA’s Office of Procurement, where she manages a team of over 4,000 personnel. With 30 years of federal service, Jackson has significantly influenced U.S. government acquisition strategies and serves as a respected voice on the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Board and the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council. Her innovative leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Rank Award and multiple Secretary of Defense Medals. A steadfast advocate for veterans, Jackson continues to push the boundaries of excellence in government procurement.

When asked how her involvement in veteran service initiatives has shaped her perspective on leadership and community service, Jackson responded, “As the daughter of a military officer, I recognize the importance of our veterans. My leadership style and commitment have been greatly influenced by my father’s career and sense of service. I believe it’s essential to lead by example and give back to the community.”

Join us in celebrating these distinguished leaders and exceptional finalists while seizing the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals committed to excellence in the government contracting sector. Don’t miss your chance to be part of an event that honors leadership and innovation in our business community. The ceremony will take place at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, on November 6th. Learn more and register for this extraordinary event here.

This year’s awards also celebrate finalists in four revenue categories for Contractors of the Year and three revenue categories for Executives of the Year. View all our finalists here.