#United States #Washington, D.C. #Entrepreneur of the Year #Xcelerate Solutions #Mark Drever

Mark Drever Wins EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Mid-Atlantic Award

Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) has announced the recognition of Mark Drever, the CEO of Xcelerate Solutions, as the esteemed Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Mid-Atlantic Award winner. This accolade celebrates entrepreneurs who are transforming industries and fostering community growth through their leadership.

A Celebration of Entrepreneurship

For over four decades, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program has stood as a beacon of excellence, honoring ambitious entrepreneurs who make significant impacts within their industries and communities. The competition is fierce, with candidates evaluated by an independent panel comprising past award winners and esteemed CEOs. The judges look for signs of long-term value creation, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to societal impact.

Mark Drever's leadership at Xcelerate Solutions, a company specializing in defense and national security, greatly influenced his selection. Under his guidance, Xcelerate has been instrumental in enhancing security and resilience across America's physical and cyber infrastructures. Mark's vision and relentless pursuit of innovation have propelled the company to meet the nation’s complex security challenges head-on.

“Receiving the Entrepreneur Of The Year award is a monumental honor and a pivotal moment in our journey,” said Drever upon receiving the news. “This award symbolizes our team’s dedication and resilience in addressing some of the nation’s most daunting security issues. Entrepreneurship is about overcoming obstacles, and I take immense pride in our collective efforts to shape Xcelerate into a purpose-driven, impactful organization.”

The Path Forward

As this year’s Mid-Atlantic award recipient, Mark Drever has secured an opportunity to compete for the national title at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November 2025. The winners of the national awards, including the overall national winner, will represent the United States in the prestigious EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition in June 2026. This global competition showcases the pinnacle of entrepreneurial innovation and leadership.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year program is known for recognizing various types of business leaders—from original founders building businesses from the ground up to transformational CEOs enhancing existing companies. Among the past honorees are notable figures like Howard Schultz of Starbucks and James Park of Fitbit, whose achievements have left indelible marks on their respective sectors.

About Xcelerate Solutions

Based in the heart of national security, Xcelerate Solutions is recognized for its dedication to addressing the pressing security needs of the U.S. government. The company has partnered with key government entities, including the Department of Defense and various civilian agencies, to provide frontline security solutions.

As Xcelerate Solutions continues to grow, Drever emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and resilience, essential ingredients for tackling tomorrow's challenges. “Moving forward, our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and we will continue to adapt and develop solutions that ensure our nation’s security,” he states passionately.

About EY

EY, a global leader in assurance, consulting, strategy, and transactions, actively partners with clients to develop solutions for the pressing issues of today and the future. The organization leverages advanced technology and data insights to guide companies toward transformative growth, aligning with their commitment to building a better working world.

For more information about the Entrepreneur Of The Year program or to explore opportunities within EY, interested parties are encouraged to visit ey.com/us/eoy.

As we celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and leadership, the recognition of Mark Drever serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on their community and industry. His journey continues to inspire, showcasing the courage and innovation that define successful entrepreneurs today.