Akima Welcomes Marcus Lopez as New Chief Operating Officer to Enhance Operational Excellence

Akima Appoints New Chief Operating Officer

In a significant move aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies, Akima has announced the appointment of Marcus Lopez as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Known for providing specialized solutions for the federal government, Akima seeks to leverage Lopez’s extensive experience to bolster its capabilities and value proposition.

Leadership Experience and Vision

Marcus Lopez brings over 30 years of experience to his new role, prominently featuring a history of facilitating transformative growth and driving operational excellence. He has previously held senior-level positions that involved shaping billion-dollar enterprises and steering mergers and acquisitions. His appointment comes at a critical juncture as Akima aims to further enhance its operational frameworks to deliver mission-critical solutions more effectively.

Bill Monet, President and CEO of Akima, expressed his confidence in Lopez, stating, “Marcus is an exceptional leader whose rare combination of technical depth, operational discipline, and strategic foresight will accelerate Akima's ability to deliver mission-critical solutions.” His capabilities in fostering innovation and establishing high-performing organizations are expected to significantly strengthen Akima's service delivery to its clients and long-term partners.

Lopez’s prior experience includes his tenure as President and Chief Growth Officer at Belcan, a subsidiary of Cognizant, where he was instrumental in integrating a $20 billion enterprise aimed at enriching commercial solutions for the government sector. Before that, he led ManTech’s Advanced Research Technology Business Unit, achieving remarkable growth and operational performance metrics. His background as a U.S. Navy officer and pilot further enhances his leadership profile, having once commanded an elite strike/fighter squadron recognized with the Navy's highest accolades for operational excellence.

A Commitment to Mission-Focused Solutions

As COO, Lopez’s primary responsibility will be to oversee the seamless delivery of Akima's solutions while ensuring compliance across all operational aspects. His strategic oversight is expected to drive exceptional value for customers and enhance the organization's reputation as a reliable provider for federal government services. Lopez holds a Master of Science in Management from Troy University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the U.S. Naval Academy, both of which underscore his strong educational foundation supporting his leadership capabilities.

Akima operates as a global enterprise with a workforce of over 11,000 employees dedicated to delivering mission-centric services that cover advanced training, information technology, logistics, aerospace, and construction, among other areas. As a subsidiary of NANA, an Alaska Native Corporation, Akima’s mission is inherently tied to the values of its Iñupiat shareholders, aiming to create sustainable economic benefits while fulfilling federal contracts.

Looking Ahead

Lopez’s arrival aligns with Akima’s commitment to upholding high standards in operational performance and service delivery. By capitalizing on his industry insights and strategic vision, the organization expects to reinforce its status on the Washington Technology’s Top 100 list of government contractors, where it ranked #31 in 2025.

As Akima gears up for its next phase of growth, the leadership of Marcus Lopez is anticipated to be a pivotal factor in further strengthening its position within the federal contracting space. To learn more about Akima and its wide array of services, visit www.akima.com.