Tom Watson Takes the Helm as President of Cherokee Federal, Driving Growth and Innovation

Cherokee Federal Welcomes Tom Watson as New President

In an exciting development for Cherokee Federal, Tom Watson has been appointed as the new president, effective October 1. With over three decades of experience in the federal contracting arena, Watson is set to steer the organization towards continued success in its mission-driven projects. Cherokee Federal, a branch of the Cherokee Nation Businesses, plays a critical role in providing federal contracting solutions that exceed $1 billion in annual revenue, leveraging its vast network of over 5,000 employees.

Watson’s extensive background includes a successful tenure with Serco, where he served as Chief Executive Officer of its $2 billion North American division, managing a workforce of over 10,000 personnel dedicated to defense and federal civilian support. His leadership experience spans various complexities, with a notable focus on growth and strategy implementation through effective acquisitions and skillful market expansion. Before his ascendancy to CEO in 2022, he held the position of Senior Vice President for Serco's Defense Services sector, a reflection of his commitment to enhancing operational capacities and customer engagement.

Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses, expressed confidence in Watson's capabilities, stating, "Tom brings a unique blend of federal market expertise, impressive leadership skills, and a strong commitment to both people and clients. He has a deep understanding of what it takes to lead and expand a multifaceted federal enterprise while remaining aligned with our clients’ missions. With his values-driven leadership style, he is poised to build upon Cherokee Federal's solid foundation and lead continued growth."

Watson himself articulated his dedication to the role, sharing, "The culture, purpose, and potential at Cherokee Federal captivated me. We have exceptional talent, solid customer relationships, and abundant opportunities ahead. The meaningful impact our success has on the lives of Cherokee Nation citizens adds a valuable dimension to our work, and I am deeply honored to lead our team in these efforts."

His career has been marked by significant leadership positions, including a distinguished 22-year tenure at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), culminated by his role as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Navy and Marine Corps Business Unit, overseeing around 4,000 employees and generating over $1 billion in revenue. Watson’s journey began in the U.S. Navy, where he served six years as an electronics technician, laying the groundwork for his future in federal contracting and government support roles.

Based in the Washington D.C. area, Watson will maintain close interactions with customers, partners, and employees vital to Cherokee Federal's success, ensuring an ongoing connection with its teams across the nation and a strong relationship with the Cherokee Nation's leadership in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Cherokee Federal continues its mission of delivering innovative, mission-focused solutions across various sectors, including defense, intelligence, health, and information technology. The success of Cherokee Federal not only boosts its operational capabilities but also directly strengthens the economy of the Cherokee Nation, providing essential services to its citizens.

Tom Watson holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s degree in information technology from National University. His academic and professional background uniquely positions him to lead Cherokee Federal into a promising future, aligning business objectives with the broader mission of serving the Cherokee Nation. For more details about Cherokee Federal and its ongoing initiatives, visit cherokee-federal.com or follow its updates across social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTube.