Tom Watson to Lead Cherokee Federal as President

Veteran industry executive joins government contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses

TULSA, Okla., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, today announced that longtime industry executive Tom Watson has been named president, effective Oct. 1. Watson will lead Cherokee Federal's portfolio of tribally owned federal contracting companies, which generates more than $1 billion in annual revenue and employs more than 5,000 people supporting government missions around the world.

Watson brings more than 30 years of experience serving the federal government and leading large, complex organizations across the defense and federal civilian markets. He spent seven years with Serco, most recently serving as CEO of its $2 billion North American business, where he oversaw more than 10,000 employees supporting defense and federal civilian customers. During his tenure, Watson helped advance the company's growth strategy, expand its capabilities and integrate strategic acquisitions across the federal market. Prior to becoming CEO in 2022, he served as senior vice president of Serco's Defense Services business.

"Tom brings an exceptional combination of federal market expertise, proven leadership and a genuine commitment to people and customers," said Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. "He understands what it takes to lead and grow a complex federal business while staying focused on the missions our customers entrust to us every day. Just as importantly, his people-first, values-driven approach aligns strongly with who we are and where we want to go. I'm confident Tom is the right leader to build on Cherokee Federal's strong foundation and lead its continued growth."

"What drew me to Cherokee Federal was the combination of culture, purpose and potential," Watson said. "We have talented people, trusted customer relationships and tremendous opportunity ahead. What makes Cherokee Federal especially meaningful to me is knowing our success has a purpose beyond the business itself and ultimately helps improve the lives of Cherokee Nation citizens. I'm honored to have the opportunity to lead this business and am excited to get to know our people and customers, learn more about the important missions we support and work alongside the team as we build for the future."

Before joining Serco in 2018, Watson spent 22 years with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), where he held positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in his role as senior vice president and general manager of the company's Navy and Marine Corps Business Unit. In that role, he led approximately 4,000 employees and more than $1 billion in annual revenue.

Watson began his career serving six years on active duty in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician. He later built a career supporting government customers and their missions across the federal market.

Watson will be based in the Washington, D.C. area, placing him near many of Cherokee Federal's customers, partners and employees, while maintaining close connections with Cherokee Federal teams across the country, Cherokee Nation Businesses leadership in Tulsa and the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma.

Cherokee Federal provides mission-driven solutions to customers across defense, intelligence, health, information technology, logistics and other critical federal missions. As the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, Cherokee Federal's success contributes directly to the economic strength of the Cherokee Nation and helps support essential services for Cherokee citizens.

Watson holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland and a bachelor's degree in information technology from National University.

About Cherokee Federal
Cherokee Federal is the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses — the economic engine of Cherokee Nation, the largest Native American tribe in the U.S. The mission of Cherokee Federal is to build a talented team that provides innovative solutions that solve America's greatest challenges and serves the Cherokee Nation with strong conviction and heart. For more information, please visit cherokee-federal.com or follow Cherokee Federal on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

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SOURCE Cherokee Federal