The Wash100 Award represents the pinnacle of leadership, innovation and influence in the government contracting sector. Since 2014, GovCon powerhouse Lockheed Martin has produced multiple Wash100 Award winners. These leaders have driven advancements that enhance national security, elevate engineering standards and fuel innovation.
Here, we explore the exceptional achievements of Lockheed Martin’s still active Wash100 winners and their impact on the GovCon landscape.
Maria Demaree — Vice President and General Manager, Lockheed Martin Space
Wash100 recipient years: 2023–2025
Maria Demaree is celebrated for her leadership in space innovation and her commitment to advancing critical national security technologies. A 33-year veteran of Lockheed Martin, Demaree oversees the company’s National Security Space sector, managing an $8.3 billion portfolio and leading a team of over 8,000 employees.
Her unparalleled drive to develop cutting-edge space architectures and integrated platforms has played a key role in helping the U.S. maintain its competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving space domain. Among her notable achievements is spearheading Lockheed Martin’s “Operations Center of the Future,” an AI-powered satellite operations hub delivering mission alerts in real time to remote operators. Under her guidance, Lockheed Martin Space continues to be a leader in advancing artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and satellite functionality.
Her latest win reinforces her position as a formidable leader shaping the future of space and national security.
The 2025 Wash100 popular vote contest is now underway, giving the general public the chance to support their favorites from the list. Vote for Maria Demaree and any other beloved execs now!
Robert Lightfoot — President, Lockheed Martin Space
Wash100 recipient years: 2017, 2022–2023
Robert Lightfoot, a seasoned space strategist, exemplifies leadership at scale, overseeing the $11 billion Space sector at Lockheed Martin. His career spans decades of contributions to the aerospace industry, including 29 years at NASA, where he rose to become the agency’s highest-ranking civil servant as associate administrator.
At Lockheed Martin, Lightfoot has been a driving force behind the development of advanced systems for satellites, missile defense and human spaceflight. He is also instrumental in integrating big data applications and predictive analytics into national security capabilities. Through his leadership, the Space division has expanded its role in key areas like satellite command, interplanetary spacecraft, and space exploration.
Lightfoot’s ability to merge government and industry expertise positions Lockheed Martin Space at the forefront of modern aerospace innovation.
Stephanie Hill — EVP, Rotary and Mission Systems
Wash100 recipient years: 2015, 2021–2022
Stephanie Hill has cemented her reputation as an industry trailblazer with three Wash100 Awards. As executive vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems, she leads a $16 billion enterprise with a global workforce of 35,000.
Hill is recognized for driving business growth through securing major defense contracts, including multimillion-dollar agreements supporting Aegis combat systems, missile defense, and Trident II submarine technologies. She has also championed advancing Joint All-Domain Operations, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into battle management, and control systems.
Her focus on upskilling talent has paved the way for hands-on training programs in high-demand fields like AI, cyber operations and DevSecOps, ensuring Lockheed Martin maintains a versatile and capable workforce. Hill’s ability to link engineering excellence with strategic growth has made her an invaluable asset to both Lockheed Martin and the GovCon community.
Jim Taiclet — Chairman, President and CEO, Lockheed Martin
Wash100 recipient years: 2021–2022
Jim Taiclet leads Lockheed Martin with a bold vision for “21st Century Security,” integrating aerospace, defense, technology, and telecommunications to deliver cutting-edge capabilities for the United States and its allies. His focus on open systems architecture and interoperability has been pivotal in enhancing national deterrence strategies.
Before joining Lockheed Martin, Taiclet demonstrated his leadership prowess as CEO of American Tower Corporation, where he transformed a U.S.-centric business into a global industry leader. At Lockheed Martin, he continues to emphasize digital transformation, spearheading advancements in artificial intelligence, supply chain technology and military systems integration.
His leadership during a critical era of change has enabled Lockheed Martin to remain a trusted partner for defense and innovation, solidifying his standing as a key figure in GovCon.
Steven Walker — VP and Chief Technology Officer, Lockheed Martin
Wash100 recipient years: 2018–2019
Dr. Steven Walker’s innovative contributions as chief technology officer make him a standout in the GovCon industry. A leader in Lockheed Martin’s AI and advanced technology initiatives, Walker is at the helm of developing next-generation solutions for defense, including quantum technologies and artificial intelligence.
Walker’s leadership has bolstered the Lockheed Martin quantum portfolio, fostering advancements in areas like remote sensing and uncrewed defense platforms. His collaborations with commercial technology companies, such as leveraging Meta’s Llama AI within the Lockheed Martin AI Factory, highlight his commitment to blending commercial and defense innovations to enhance national security.
With deep roots in tech development and a forward-thinking approach to AI, Walker exemplifies Lockheed Martin’s commitment to staying ahead in defense innovation.
Celebrating Excellence at Lockheed Martin
The Wash100 Awards honor not just individuals but the collective drive to push boundaries and redefine possibilities in the GovCon sector. Lockheed Martin’s recipients embody this spirit of innovation and leadership, driving advancements that strengthen national security and the industry as a whole. Congratulations to these extraordinary leaders for their remarkable achievements!
Don’t forget to cast your vote in the 2025 Wash100 popular contest!
