About Us

Founded in May 2009, GovCon Executive is a news blog that covers the dedicated individuals who serve our government through private industry and the officials who affect the government contracting industry at the federal and state levels.

President – Jim Garrettson

Jim Garrettson is the President of GovCon Executive. Additionally, Jim founded TownHall Teleconferencing following a successful 20-year career in telecommunications. Although the Telecom market has been in a downturn recently, Jim is a firm believer in the future of collaborative communications. Specifically, he has founded TownHall with the intent of spreading the enabling power of the collaborative IP-based tools that have been recently brought to market. Jim has also founded and created “The Potomac Officers Club” (POC). This Washington DC-based club is unique in its formation as an organization designed specifically for senior executives. The POC has been growing steadily under his leadership with its mission of creating a board of trade to foster business growth in the Greater Washington area. The mission of the Potomac Officers Club is to weave an executive fabric that benefits our local business community.

Beyond his current duties at The Potomac Officers Club and TownHall Teleconferencing, Garrettson held the position of EVP of Sales and Marketing at Net2000, a competitive local exchange carrier. Garrettson has also gained experience in the start-up and Internet content distribution space as SVP of North American Sales with Cidera. He helped Cidera expand their satellite-based, edge network throughout North America. Before Cidera, Garrettson held the position of President, Teleglobe Business Solutions and SVP of Sales at Qwest Communications, where he ran the national General Business salesforce.

Editor in Chief – JD Kathuria

JD Kathuria brings a unique blend of entrepreneurship and journalistic excellence to his role with GovCon Executive.  A successful entrepreneur, Kathuria helped found GovCon Executive in 2009. While delivering hard-hitting features, breaking news, and executive spotlights, Kathuria has personally interviewed over 500 executives from around the DC area and the United States.  Kathuria’s ability to deliver incisive features and breaking news is directly shaped by his own experience within the federal marketplace.  A former project manager, he helped guide the Census 2000 project toward completion, and learned firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing executives looking to grow their businesses. Kathuria holds a BA from George Mason University and a legal assistant certificate from Georgetown University.

Michael Cheek, Editor

Michael Cheek, of Washington, DC, is a full-time editor and writer on issues relating to national security. He enjoys writing and investigating a number of technical threats to the United States, particularly from cyberspace and biological and chemical weapons. Additionally, he is interested in reading and researching topics related to espionage and terrorism. Michael holds a BA in history from American University and is working towards master’s degrees in Policing, Intelligence and Counter Intelligence and International Security Studies.

John Adams, Reporter

John Adams, of Arlington, VA, is a reporter for GovCon Executive.  He contributes articles on a range of topics including Health IT, National Security and Civilian Issues.  Previously, he covered professional sports in Washington, DC, including the Washington Capitals NHL club and the Washington Nationals MLB club for the Washington Examiner newspaper.  John also interned in Strategic Communications at Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA.  A December 2009 graduate of American University in Washington, he holds a BA in Print Journalism with focuses on English Literature and Politics.

Camille Tuutti, Reporter

Camille Tuutti, of Washington, DC, is a reporter for GovConExecutive. She covers executives in government and industry, tracks technology and cybersecurity trends and policies, as well as pens a wide array of lifestyle pieces. In the past, Camille has written and edited for various news organizations, ranging from her college newspaper to online media companies. Camille holds a BA in print journalism from American University.