Aperio Global CEO Earl Stafford Jr. Earns 1st Wash100 Recognition for Tech Innovation & Security Leadership
Executive Mosaic is honored to recognize Earl Stafford Jr., CEO of Aperio Global, as one of the recipients of the 2025 Wash100 Award, which annually recognizes the most elite government and industry leaders exemplifying innovation, vision and reliabity and are poised to deliver the best results in the government contracting landscape in the year ahead.
Vote for Earl Stafford Jr. as one of your favorite awardees at Wash100.com. This year’s popular vote competition runs through April 30, so cast your 10 votes now!
“I am humbled to be among this year’s Wash100 recipients. This recognition is a testament to the incredible team at Aperio, who uphold our core values of truth, trust and transparency. Our mission is to bring innovation and security across the globe, especially to the warfighter and those defending our homeland,” Stafford commented on his win. “Thank you for this acknowledgment as we remain undeterred in our commitment to protect and empower those seeking to Solve for Next!”
Commenting on Stafford’s Wash100 win, Jim Garrettson, Executive Mosaic CEO and Wash100 Award founder, said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Earl into the Wash100 for the first time. As CEO of Aperio Global, Earl is leading the charge in cybersecurity, intelligence, and IT solutions, helping government agencies stay ahead in an increasingly complex threat landscape. His leadership has fueled Aperio’s growth, driving innovation and expanding the company’s footprint in the national security space.”
“With a commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions and building strong partnerships, Earl is proving to be a force in GovCon. We expect great things from Earl and Aperio in the year ahead!” added Garrettson.
Stafford has been at the helm of Aperio Global since March 2019. He leads the Chantilly, Virginia-headquartered information services provider as it delivers innovation, interoperability, and integration across cyber operations, artificial intelligence/machine learning, cloud services and software development capabilities to government, defense, intelligence and national security customers.
As the Aperio Global CEO, he is responsible for driving its customer-centric customization for information security, developing and strengthening consulting relationships with government agencies and contractors, implementing robust risk mitigation strategies and performing in-depth strategic analysis to align customer goals and develop results-driven plans.
“[Stafford] pioneers the deployment of cutting-edge AI, IT, and cyber operation capabilities… champions the creation of innovative client training environments… [and] empowers clients with flexible solutions that enable agility and adaptability in rapidly changing environments,” his profile reads.
Under Stafford’s leadership, Aperio Global announced several executive moves in 2024, including the appointments of Elvert “El” Gardner as vice president of space operations, Wendy Chenault as VP of operations, Will Metts as chief strategy officer and Damian Watkins as chief research officer.
Stafford highlighted Gardner’s leadership and experience in space operations as a retired colonel and said his addition to the team will enhance the company’s offerings while expanding its market reach.
Meanwhile, Stafford said of Metts, “His extensive expertise and experience in national security, defense operations and strategic planning aligns perfectly with our vision for expanding our defense and national security footprint.”
As the year progresses, Executive Mosaic looks forward to Stafford’s continued impact on the government contracting industry, his leadership and where he will take Aperio Global next.
GovCon’s preeminent media, events and membership organization congratulates Stafford and the Aperio Global team on their selection to receive the 2025 Wash100 Award.
Don’t forget to vote for Stafford at Wash100.com.