Announcements and news

Tysons Corner, Virginia – February 25, 2026 – growth[period], a strategic advisory firm serving public- and private-sector clients at moments of growth, complexity, and transformation, today announced that Howie Lind has joined the firm as a Strategic Client Advisor. Mr. Lind brings more than two decades of senior military, government, and corporate leadership experience to growth[period]. In his role as Strategic Client Advisor, he will support clients navigating the defense and federal markets, leveraging his deep understanding of Department of Defense, legislative processes, and high-level stakeholder engagement. “I am excited about the potential for Howie to help drive transformation for so many of our clients. Howie brings a wealth of experience and expertise and I am thrilled to have him join the team” said Darryle Conway, President of Global Defense at growth[period]. Mr. Lind served 20 years on active duty in the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard five surface combatants, retiring at the rank of Commander. Following his military career, Mr. Lind served as a Senior Director for Government Relations and Business Development at Fluor Corporation in Washington, DC, where he advised on complex federal initiatives and supported strategic growth efforts. He was also a Department of Defense appointee during the Bush Administration, supporting U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2003 to 2007, including serving as a Legislative Liaison for Iraq Reconstruction and contributing to infrastructure development efforts. In addition to his government and corporate leadership roles, Mr. Lind has served as President of the International Stability Operations Association and has been a corporate consultant to the Department of Defense. He is widely respected for his ability to guide complex legislative initiatives, build trusted relationships at the highest levels of government and industry, and consistently deliver results. He was also a candidate for the U.S. Senate and Congress in 2013–2014. Mr. Lind holds a Bachelor of Science in Statistics from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science in Information Systems from the Naval Postgraduate School. About growth[period] For more than 19 years, growth[period] is a leading international strategic business development and transaction advisory services firm. We specialize in delivering sustainable solutions that improve our clients' overall market performance. The firm is recognized globally as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; navigate the federal marketplace; support partnering strategies; and advise on diligence matters. With deep global roots, growth[period] has more than 90 experts and offices across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. For more information, please visit www.growthprd.com.   CONTACT Talia Frey 703 556 0111 info@growthprd.com

  March 3, 2026 By Mirriam-Grace MacIntyre, Senior Partner, Global Geopolitical Risk Management The Situation: The United States and Israel on February 28 launched waves of attacks on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior leaders of the Iranian regime. Iran responded swiftly, launching missile and drone strikes against U.S. bases in several Gulf countries, striking civilian infrastructure and oil refineries, and shuttering flights through some of the world’s busiest airports. Iranian-backed armed groups throughout the region also began to react, most notably with Hezbollah in Lebanon launching rockets into Israel. No quick end is in sight. The President and Israeli government encouraged Iranians to take over their government, but thus far, after 2,000 U.S. and Israeli strikes, the Iranian regime appears to maintain control of the government. The President acknowledged on Monday that military operations were projected to continue for 4-5 weeks, but the U.S. had the ability to continue operations much longer. He later announced the deployment of additional troops and fighter jets to the region. Immediate Effects:

• With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed to maritime traffic, approximately 10% of global maritime traffic and 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas is blocked from leaving the region. The effects are already being felt in energy markets. Qatar announced it would halt liquefied natural gas shipments after an attack on QatarEnergy, and the price of brent crude rose nearly 10% following attacks on three oil tankers over the weekend. Oil and energy costs will continue to rise, impacting consumers, affecting airline and freight costs, and introducing pricing volatility on longer-term contracts. Some US LNG companies are seeking to fill the gap and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the Administration would begin rolling out a plan to address concerns about rising oil prices.
• Multiple insurance companies issued war-risk cancellations on maritime insurance effective March 5 while terms and premiums can be reissued, resulting in further delays to delivery timelines and threatening failures to meet terms of service-level agreements. As the conflict drags on, we can expect to see more inventory consumed and more invocations of force majeure claims to insurance companies.
• Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi airports were forced to shutter in recent days, resulting in over 4,000 canceled flights that stranded passengers and flight crews, disrupted air freight across pharmaceutical and electronics industries, and required airlines to take longer, costlier flight routes.
• Companies operating in the region have encouraged their staff to work remotely; however, if tensions continue, ensuring workforce safety will become increasingly important.
• Amazon reported outages after two data centers in the United Arab Emirates and a facility in Bahrain were struck by Iranian drones, causing data and service outages in the affected regions.

What Companies Should Do Now:

• Test Company Scenarios: Companies should evaluate business strategies, supply chains, dependencies, and financial models across a range of potential scenarios, ranging from a short and limited regional crisis to a prolonged, cross-regional conflict.
• Map supply chain exposure: Companies should map their Tier 1 and 2 suppliers transiting through the Straits of Hormuz or through logistics hubs in the Middle East. Executives should prioritize rebooking critical shipments, shift logistics transport through secondary pre-conflict, and adjust delivery timelines.
• Review Insurance Coverage: Legal departments should review terms of agreement, war-risk cancellation causes, force majeure triggers and required notices, ensuring relevant documentation is prepared.
• Establish Crisis Inventory Planning and Policies: Companies should plan for delays in deliveries of critical components and implement crisis plans, which should include pre-positioning spare components at operational locations as well as tracking and rationing use, as necessary.
• Plan for Rising Energy Costs: Companies should evaluate their financial posture in the face of rising energy costs. This should include ensuring pricing tracks against real benchmarks, activating surcharges early, or negotiating new pricing caps or indexed formulas.
• Bolster Physical and Cyber Security Programs: Heightened tensions increase the physical and cyber risks to companies. The Director of National Intelligence’s 2025 Annual Threat Assessment noted that Iran’s growing expertise and willingness to conduct cyber operations make it a major threat to the security of U.S. and allied partner networks and data. Companies should anticipate and implement heightened physical and cybersecurity plans for facilities and networks and should monitor for disinformation aimed at causing reputational damage to a company.
• Implement Security Plans for Affected Staff: As the conflict widens, companies should ensure workforce communication plans are updated, safety guidance is issued, and medical evacuation plans are in order.

      Mirriam-Grace MacIntyre is the Senior Partner for Global Geopolitical Risk Management at growth[period], where she advises clients on business market expansion and global risk management strategies. Ms. MacIntyre is a distinguished national security leader with over two decades of experience in intelligence, counterintelligence, and global security operations. She previously served as Executive Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, where she led the U.S. government's top counterintelligence and security programs, and also served as the Director for Counterintelligence at the White House National Security Council.  

February 24, 2026 By Mirriam-Grace MacIntyre, Senior Partner, Global Risk Management

The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs, bringing a sudden end to a large share of tariffs that had been imposed on almost every US trading partner. The President’s response was swift – by night’s end he signed a proclamation imposing a temporary 10 percent global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, set to go into effect next week.  On Saturday morning, he announced on social media that he would further raise it to the maximum 15 percent level for the allowable 150-day period.

Without the current IEEPA tariffs, the effective tariff rate for consumers was expected to fall from 16.9 percent to 9.1 percent following the Supreme Court’s decision, according to Yale’s Budget Lab. However, according to their estimates, the addition of the President’s proposed 15 percent global tariff would raise the effective tariff rate to 13.7 percent, within striking distance of the pre-ruling rate.

In addition to the temporary 10 percent global tariff, which allows for an import surcharge of up to 15 percent for 150 days (about 5 months) without Congressional approval, the President has signaled he will initiate Section 301 unfair trade practices investigations, with further details to emerge in coming days. Taken together, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent estimates that by using new Section 122 and enhanced Section 232 and Section 301 tariffs issued under other statutory authorities “will result in virtually unchanged tariff revenue in 2026.”

These tariff swings are not over, and volatility will continue. While some relief may have been initially felt with the announcement of the Supreme Court decision, the introduction of Section 122 tariffs will likely eat into that initial sentiment. Industries will continue to feel the effects as tariffs remain in place for steel, aluminum, copper, and electronics and the initiation of new Section 301 investigations could result in additional duties and weaken or complicate newly negotiated trade deals. The European Union, for its part, froze ratification of its trade deal with the United States, awaiting clarity on the Administration’s approach.

This complicated trade environment will continue to affect small and large companies alike. The time for planning is now. Boards and CEOs have a responsibility to create multi-scenario models to evaluate how these shifts in trade policies will affect their supply chains and pricing, distribution timelines, and profit margins. The Supreme Court decision sidestepped the issue of tariff refunds; however, as these arguments proceed to lower courts, corporate leaders must assess tariff refund timing and opportunities, which are likely to be complicated and phased, and the potential political cost of doing so. Establishing a risk committee, integrating trade and geopolitical risk into business strategies and capital allocation, and planning for the various scenarios are the best way for companies to chart a course in these turbulent waters.

     

Mirriam-Grace MacIntyre is the Senior Partner for Global Geopolitical Risk Management at growth[period], where she advises clients on business market expansion and global risk management strategies. Ms. MacIntyre is a distinguished national security leader with over two decades of experience in intelligence, counterintelligence, and global security operations. She previously served as Executive Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, where she led the U.S. government's top counterintelligence and security programs, and also served as the Director for Counterintelligence at the White House National Security Council.

Tysons Corner, Virginia – January 28, 2026 – growth[period], a strategic advisory firm serving public- and private-sector clients at moments of growth, complexity, and transformation, today announced that Kim Pack has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor - Strategy. Ms. Pack brings a distinguished record of leadership, strategic execution, and trusted advisory experience to growth[period]. In this role, she will help advance the firm’s mission of delivering high-impact advisory services while expanding growth[period]’s capabilities and partnerships across its core markets. “Ms. Packs leadership, judgment, and depth of experience make her an exceptional addition to our senior team,” said Courtney B. Spaeth, CEO of growth[period]. “As our clients navigate increasingly complex operating and risk environments, her expertise will strengthen our ability to deliver impactful solutions. We are thrilled to welcome her to the firm.” Ms. Pack is widely respected for her ability to operate at the intersection of strategy, execution, and stakeholder engagement. Throughout her career, she has advised senior leaders, built high-performing teams, and guided organizations through periods of growth and transition. Ms. Pack has more than 35 years of leadership experience across the federal and commercial markets, with a background spanning strategic planning, IT services, management consulting, and business development and capture. Most recently, she served as President of Federal at AIS, where she supported clients in navigating complex government markets. Previously, she was CEO of Wolf Den Associates, advising organizations ranging from $10 million to $20 billion in revenue. In this role, Ms. Pack guided leadership teams in driving operational excellence, accelerating growth, and positioning companies for long-term, sustainable success. About growth[period] For more than 19 years, growth[period] is a leading international strategic business development and transaction advisory services firm. We specialize in delivering sustainable solutions that improve our clients' overall market performance. The firm is recognized globally as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; navigate the federal marketplace; support partnering strategies; and advise on diligence matters. With deep global roots, growth[period] has more than 90 experts and offices across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. For more information, please visit www.growthprd.com.   CONTACT Talia Frey 703 556 0111 info@growthprd.com

Tysons Corner, Virginia – November 12, 2025 – growth[period], a leading provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, is proud to announce that Courtney B. Spaeth, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, has been awarded the Gold Stevie Award for Best Female Entrepreneur - Business Services for companies with 11 to 2,500 employees in the 22nd Annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor the world’s top female executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations. As one of the most respected international business awards programs, the Stevie Awards celebrate exceptional achievements in leadership, innovation, and professional excellence across industries. This recognition follows Spaeth’s earlier nomination as a finalist and highlights her continued impact as a visionary leader in the business services sector. Under her guidance, growth[period] has become an internationally recognized firm that helps clients achieve measurable growth through business development, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic advisory support. “It is an incredible honor to be recognized among such an extraordinary group of women” said Spaeth. “This award is a reflection of the dedication and excellence that define the growth[period] team and of the countless women around the world who continue to expand opportunity, inspire innovation, and elevate standards of leadership in business.” Now in its 22nd year, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business received more than 12,000 nominations from women around the world, representing organizations of every size and industry. Spaeth’s recognition stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and leaders globally, celebrating the innovation, resilience, and impact they continue to bring to the business community.   About growth[period] For more than 18 years, growth[period] has provided strategic business development, management consulting, and transaction advisory services to help companies achieve smart, sustainable growth. The firm is nationally recognized for guiding clients through complex corporate and technology transactions, supporting market entry and expansion, and developing strategies that drive measurable results. With more than 50 experts and offices across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Europe, growth[period] continues to help organizations around the world realize their full potential. For more information about growth[period] and its award-winning business development and advisory services, please visit www.growthprd.com. CONTACT Talia Frey 703.556.0111 info@growthprd.com  

Tysons Corner, Virginia – November 7, 2025 – growth[period], a leading provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Leontine “Tine” Thompson has joined the firm as Principal for the Public Sector, Public Safety, and Telecom practice. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, she will support clients in elevating performance, optimizing outcomes, and driving mission success. Ms. Thompson has over 30 years of leadership experience in federal acquisition, program management, and data-driven performance strategy. During her government service, she led multi-billion-dollar Department of Defense (DoD) Wireless Mobility Programs, partnering with senior leaders and industry to modernize enterprise capabilities and deliver secure telecom services, achieving over $230 million in verified cost savings. A Harvard Business School-trained Change Manager with DAWIA Level III Certification in Contracting and Lean Six Sigma training, she has been recognized with the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Gears of Government Award, and multiple OFPP Acquisition Excellence Awards for her strategic vision and commitment to transforming mission-critical programs. At growth[period], Ms. Thompson joins the firm’s Strategic Advisory Team, where she will deliver strategic consulting across defense acquisition, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, telecom modernization, and organizational change. Her people-centered, results-driven approach continues to bridge innovation between the public and private sectors, helping clients modernize operations and advance mission success. About growth[period] For more than 18 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, strategy, and transaction advisory services have focused on addressing the principal challenges faced by federal contractors and commercial businesses entering the federal marketplace. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider for clients seeking to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions, manage entry into government contracting, navigate the federal marketplace, form partnerships, or obtain diligence support. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 50 experts and offices across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. For more information, please visit www.growthprd.com.   CONTACT: Talia Frey 703-556-0111 info@growthprd.com

  Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – September 23, 2025 –  growth[period] is honored to announce that its CEO, Courtney B. Spaeth, has been named a finalist in the 22nd Annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Mrs. Spaeth is a finalist in the prestigious category of Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Services – 11 to 2,500 Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run worldwide. As one of the most highly regarded international business awards programs, the Stevie Awards recognize outstanding professional achievements across industries and leadership roles. "We are thrilled that Courtney has been recognized as a finalist in this year’s Stevie Awards," said Josh Schiffman, Chairman of the Board of Directors at growth[period]. "Her strategic leadership, innovative mindset, and consistent commitment to excellence set the standard for our entire organization. This recognition is a testament to her impact and dedication to excellence in business development and advisory." The 22nd Annual Stevie Awards will celebrate the finalists and winners across a wide array of categories, highlighting women who have made remarkable contributions to business innovation, leadership, and growth. Winners will be announced at the gala event later this year. About growth[period] For more than 18 years, growth[period] has been a leader in management consulting, business development, and transaction advisory services, specializing in the federal marketplace. The firm assists growing and established companies with strategic guidance, technology transactions, market entry strategies, and partnering agreements. With offices in multiple regions worldwide, growth[period] continues to support clients across industries, offering actionable and experience-driven advice. For more information about growth[period], please visit www.growthperiod.com.  CONTACT: Talia Frey Phone: 703-556-0111 Email: info@growthprd.com  

Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – September 9, 2025 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, today announced the appointment of Josh Schiffman as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Josh Schiffman is a veteran entrepreneur, product strategist, and technology leader with over 25 years of experience at the forefront of digital transformation. As the founder of Aureclar and a principal at Vitru Partners, Mr. Schiffman brings deep expertise in applying AI, advanced analytics, and data-driven systems to reshape how companies and their advisors make decisions and scale operations. Mr. Schiffman has a unique ability to fuse cutting-edge technology with business acumen, transforming traditional consulting models into agile, intelligence-powered engagements. His work spans from executive decision enablement to the modernization of governance systems, helping some of the most important and interesting companies in the world move faster and smarter. His career includes leadership roles at Deloitte, IBM, and WebMD, as well as decades of experience founding and mentoring startups at the intersection of enterprise software, data science, and automation. Whether driving strategic growth initiatives or building scalable platforms, he is known for delivering measurable impact and clarity amid complexity. Mr. Schiffman has a BBA in Healthcare Entrepreneurship and an MPH in Health Management and Policy from Emory University. As Chairman of the Board of Directors at growth[period], Mr. Schiffman will advise leadership and clients on strategies for unlocking new pathways to growth, resilience, and competitive advantage. About growth[period] For more than 18 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, strategy, and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by federal contractors and commercial businesses entering the federal marketplace. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; navigate the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 50 experts and offices in multiple markets across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. For more information, please visit www.growthprd.com.   CONTACT Talia Frey 703 556 0111 info@growthprd.com  

  Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – September 2, 2025 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, today announced that Mirriam-Grace MacIntyre has joined the firm’s executive leadership team as Senior Partner, Global Geopolitical Risk Management. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, she will advise clients on business growth, market expansion, and global risk management strategies. “Mirriam-Grace brings exceptional expertise and perspective that will greatly benefit our clients as they navigate complex challenges and pursue new opportunities,” said Courtney B. Spaeth, CEO of growth[period]. “Her ability to anticipate risks and design forward-looking strategies will be invaluable to clients operating in an increasingly unpredictable world.” Ms. MacIntyre is a distinguished national security leader with over two decades of experience in intelligence, counterintelligence, and global security operations. She most recently served as Executive Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), where she oversaw daily operations to safeguard the United States from foreign intelligence threats. From 2021–2023, she served on the National Security Council as Director for Counterintelligence, providing senior leadership on matters of counterintelligence policy and strategy. Earlier roles include senior positions at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), where she advanced NATO security initiatives and supported Operation Warp Speed, and eleven years as an intelligence officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) supporting counterterrorism and military operations. She is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program and holds a Master’s degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University, a Diplome Internationale from Sciences Po, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from The George Washington University. About growth[period] For more than 18 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, strategy, and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by federal contractors and commercial businesses entering the federal marketplace. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; navigate the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 50 experts and offices in multiple markets across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. For more information, please visit www.growthprd.com.   CONTACT Talia Frey 703 556 0111 info@growthprd.com  

Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – August 21, 2025 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, today announced that Lance Spencer has joined the firm’s executive leadership team as Principal, Federal, Aerospace & Defense. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, he will advise clients in the defense, aerospace, cyber, and technology sectors on growth strategies, innovation initiatives, and market expansion. “Lance’s record of achievement across both military and commercial leadership is unparalleled,” says Courtney B. Spaeth, CEO of growth[period]. “His ability to drive innovation, forge strategic alliances, and lead transformative initiatives in emerging technologies such as 5G and cyberspace operations will provide tremendous value to our clients as they navigate today’s competitive and rapidly evolving marketplace.” Mr. Spencer is an award-winning corporate P&L and military leader with experience driving results through talent acquisition, strategic partnerships, and innovative solutions. He most recently served as Client Executive Vice President – Defense at AT&T Global Public Sector, where he reshaped the business into a market-defining leader, generating $1.5B+ in new sales. His accomplishments include launching the Air Force Enterprise IT as a Service programs, leading DoD’s 5G innovation efforts, and spearheading a consortium of 30+ global companies that secured a CHIPS Act grant to accelerate next-generation wireless networks. Prior to AT&T, Mr. Spencer served 26 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Colonel. He held senior leadership roles at the Pentagon, the National Guard Bureau, and multiple Major Commands. Mr. Spencer has been inducted into the Air Force Cyberspace Hall of Fame and the AT&T Diamond Club (2019, top 1%). He earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Tulane University, a master’s in Engineering from the University of Nebraska, and completed the Air War College. About growth[period] For more than 18 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, strategy, and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by federal contractors and commercial businesses entering the federal marketplace. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; navigate the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 50 experts and offices in multiple markets across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. For more information, please visit www.growthprd.com.   CONTACT Talia Frey 703 556 0111 info@growthprd.com