#None #Akima #Business Development #Lauren Cates

Akima Appoints Lauren Cates as Vice President of Business Development

In a significant move aimed at bolstering its market presence, Akima has announced the appointment of Lauren Cates as Vice President of Business Development for its Emerging Markets Group (EMG). This division is dedicated to delivering advanced technologies and digital solutions tailored for federal clients, empowering them to achieve peak operational performance.

Cates steps into this role armed with over 15 years of experience in the federal contracting sector, where she has demonstrated a robust ability to lead high-performing teams and implement scalable business strategies. Her exceptional record in securing major contracts speaks to her proficiency in the industry. “Lauren’s expertise in federal business development will be instrumental as we expand our capability offerings and strengthen our market position,” said Mike Alvarado, Chief Growth Officer of Akima.

Prior to joining Akima, Cates made her mark at Indigo IT, where she led a growth team that achieved substantial success in sectors such as cybersecurity, cloud services, and enterprise IT. Her previous experience includes a lengthy tenure at the Bowhead Family of Companies, where she managed billion-dollar pipelines and consistently surpassed growth objectives.

Cates holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the University of Florida and has further enhanced her skills with Shipley training in federal proposal management.

Akima, recognized as a leading provider of mission-focused solutions for the federal government, operates globally and employs over 11,000 staff members. Their key areas of expertise encompass various sectors such as advanced training, information technology, aerospace solutions, and construction, among others.

As a subsidiary of NANA, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by over 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, Akima is committed to delivering superior outcomes for their clients while fostering a lasting asset for NANA that aligns with Iñupiat values. In 2025, the company celebrated its ranking as #31 on Washington Technology's Top 100 list of government contractors, reflecting its strong foothold in the industry.

With Cates at the helm of business development, Akima looks to further innovate and expand its offerings, introducing mission-critical technologies that will serve government and military customers effectively. As the landscape of federal contracting evolves, her leadership is poised to guide Akima through new opportunities and challenges, paving the way for future success in the realm of federal solutions.