# Cherokee Federal Appoints New President

Cherokee Federal has appointed Tom Watson as its new president effective October 1, succeeding interim president Clint Bickett. Watson brings extensive leadership experience from Serco and SAIC, where he managed large federal and defense contracting operations. Under his leadership, Cherokee Federal, a tribally owned business with over $1 billion in annual revenue and 5,000 employees, recently expanded its federal contract portfolio by securing positions on NASA's Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement VI governmentwide acquisition contract and obtaining sole-award status on a GSA blanket purchase agreement for modernization support services. The company also achieved CMMC Level 2 certification, enhancing its cybersecurity posture and eligibility for sensitive federal contracts.

- Cherokee Federal's expanded contract awards with NASA and GSA in July 2026 indicate growing opportunities for contractors specializing in federal acquisition and modernization services.
- Tom Watson's appointment signals a strategic focus on scaling federal and defense contracting capabilities, which may influence partnership and subcontracting opportunities.
- The attainment of CMMC Level 2 certification positions Cherokee Federal to compete for contracts requiring enhanced cybersecurity compliance, a critical factor for procurement professionals evaluating vendor qualifications.
- Procurement professionals should consider Cherokee Federal's evolving role in federal acquisition vehicles when planning sourcing strategies, especially within the NASA and GSA contracting landscapes.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles, Cybersecurity
**Published:** September 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- Cherokee Nation Businesses
- NASA
- General Services Administration (GSA)
- Department of War

### Vendors
- Cherokee Federal (prime contractor)
- Serco (former employer of Tom Watson)
- SAIC (former employer of Tom Watson)

### Key Quotes
> Watson understands what it takes to lead and grow a complex federal business.
> — Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses

### Sources
- [Tom Watson Named Cherokee Federal President](https://www.govconwire.com/articles/cherokee-federal-named-tom-watson-president) - GovCon Wire