Tom Watson Named President of Cherokee Federal Leading Growth in Federal Contracting

In a strategic move signaling further growth potential within the federal contracting landscape, Cherokee Federal has appointed Tom Watson as its new president. Watson, who will assume his role on October 1, comes with a wealth of experience from his previous leadership positions at Serco and SAIC, where he oversaw significant operations within the federal and defense contracting sectors. His appointment is timely as Cherokee Federal continues to expand its robust portfolio, seeking to capitalize on new opportunities within the federal space.

Watson's extensive experience is noteworthy; he previously served as the CEO of Serco’s North American business, overseeing a multi-billion dollar operation with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees. His leadership has been marked by a focus on operational excellence in service delivery to defense and federal civilian clients. Prior to his tenure at Serco, he dedicated 22 years to SAIC, progressing through various roles that culminated in his position as senior vice president managing the Navy and Marine Corps business unit, which handled substantial fiscal responsibilities of over $1 billion annually. His understanding of managing complex federal businesses could position Cherokee Federal favorably as the company aims to navigate the intricacies of government procurement.

Cherokee Federal, a tribally owned contractor with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion and a workforce of approximately 5,000 employees, has recently made significant strides in its contracting capabilities. In July 2026, Cherokee Federal secured key positions on NASA’s Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement VI governmentwide acquisition contract. Furthermore, they achieved sole-award status on a General Services Administration (GSA) blanket purchase agreement for essential modernization support services. These advancements underscore a growing recognition of Cherokee Federal as a reliable partner for federal agencies looking for innovative yet efficient procurement solutions.

In addition to the contract expansions, Cherokee Federal recently achieved CMMC Level 2 certification, a critical milestone that enhances its cybersecurity posture. This certification is particularly vital as it positions Cherokee Federal to compete for contracts requiring robust cybersecurity measures, which are increasingly becoming a prerequisite in government procurement evaluations. The company's strategic enhancement of its cybersecurity practices may appeal to procurement professionals who prioritize compliance and security when assessing potential vendors.

Watson’s leadership is expected to further refine Cherokee’s strategic objectives, particularly in scaling its federal and defense contracting capabilities. His extensive network and industry knowledge may catalyze new partnership and subcontracting opportunities that support Cherokee's growth initiatives. Procurement professionals in the government contracting space should take note of these developments, as Cherokee Federal's evolving role within federal acquisition vehicles and its strengthened cybersecurity compliance can significantly influence sourcing strategies.

As Watson takes the helm amidst a landscape shaped by federal investment and modernization efforts, his leadership may be pivotal in leveraging Cherokee Federal's existing capabilities to meet the increasing demands of government contracting. Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses, remarked, “Watson understands what it takes to lead and grow a complex federal business,” indicating confidence in Watson's ability to drive the company’s mission forward.

In summary, Watson’s appointment signifies Cherokee Federal's commitment to expanding its presence in the federal contracting market, and his background could facilitate successful navigation through upcoming procurement opportunities across various federal agencies.