Akima, a provider of mission-focused solutions to the federal government, announced the appointment of Lauren Cates as vice president of business development for its Emerging Markets Group. The group delivers advanced technologies and digital solutions designed to help federal clients achieve peak performance.
In her new role, Cates will lead growth strategy and execution for the Emerging Markets Group, with a focus on expanding Akima’s market presence and delivering mission-critical technologies to government and military customers.
Cates brings more than 15 years of experience in federal contracting. She has led high-performing teams, implemented scalable business development strategies, and driven measurable growth across multiple organizations.
Prior to joining Akima, Cates led Indigo IT’s growth team, where she helped secure major wins in cybersecurity, cloud, and enterprise IT services. She also spent more than a decade with the Bowhead Family of Companies, overseeing billion-dollar pipelines and consistently exceeding growth targets.
Cates holds a bachelor of science degree in journalism from the University of Florida and has completed Shipley training in federal proposal management.
Akima employs more than 11,000 people globally and delivers solutions to the federal government across advanced training and readiness, information technology, facilities and ground logistics, aerospace, protective services, systems engineering, mission support, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and construction. The company is a subsidiary of NANA, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by more than 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders. In 2025, Akima ranked No. 31 on Washington Technology’s Top 100 list of government contractors.
KEY QUOTE:
“Lauren’s expertise in federal business development will be instrumental as we expand our capability offerings and strengthen our market position.”
Mike Alvarado, Chief Growth Officer, Akima
