Announcements and news
Tysons Corner, Virginia – April 13, 2026 – growth[period], a strategic advisory firm serving public- and private-sector clients at moments of growth, complexity, and transformation, announced that Natesh Manikoth has joined the firm as a Strategic Client Advisor.
Mr. Manikoth brings more than 30 years of technology executive leadership and federal government experience to growth[period]. In his role as Strategic Client Advisor, he will support clients navigating the federal and transportation markets, leveraging his expertise in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and data-centric strategy.
Mr. Manikoth most recently served as Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he oversaw the agency's software and IT infrastructure. He also served as the FAA's inaugural Chief Data Officer (CDO), architecting the agency's first Data Strategy and Enterprise Data Platform to enable predictive safety analytics, and as Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for NAS Software, driving modernization of the agency's software assurance and cybersecurity approach.
Before his federal service, Mr. Manikoth held executive leadership roles at Xerox Services, ACS, and Lockheed Martin across a diverse transportation and government services portfolio. He holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and a Master's degree in Industrial Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, and has served on advisory councils for NASA, Gartner, and George Mason University.
About growth[period]
For more than 19 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, geopolitical risk, strategy and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by companies in highly regulated industries. We are nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established firms seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; assist with navigating the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and/or advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 90 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
Tysons Corner, Virginia – April 7, 2026 – growth[period] is proud to announce it has been named one of the Washington Business Journal's 2026 Best Places to Work, marking the 10th time the firm has earned this prestigious recognition. The annual program highlights the top 100 organizations across the Greater Washington region where employees report exceptional levels of trust, collaboration, and workplace satisfaction.
Selection is based on confidential employee surveys that measure engagement, culture, and workplace satisfaction across key factors including management effectiveness, compensation and benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. This year, growth[period] achieved a perfect score: 100% of employees reported being “Highly Engaged,” rating the firm as “highly favorable; advocates for the organization; intending to stay; and demonstrating high discretionary effort.” Additionally, 100% of growth[period] employees reported feeling valued by the organization. When asked to choose a single word to describe their work environment, employees responded: "Supportive.”
"Being recognized for the 10th time is a testament to the people who make growth[period] what it is," said Courtney B. Spaeth, CEO of growth[period]. "These results don't come from any single initiative; they reflect a culture our team builds together every day. We are incredibly proud that every single employee feels engaged and valued, and we remain deeply committed to maintaining the supportive environment that makes this possible."
The Washington Business Journal's Best Places to Work program is one of the region's most anticipated and respected workplace recognition programs, celebrating companies throughout Greater Washington, D.C. that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to employee satisfaction, engagement, and culture. Honorees are recognized for recruiting and retaining top talent and for cultivating workplace cultures that serve as a genuine competitive advantage.
growth[period] will be celebrated alongside fellow honorees at the Washington Business Journal's Best Places to Work May 7th award event.
About growth[period]
For more than 19 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, geopolitical risk, strategy and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by companies in highly regulated industries. We are nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established firms seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; assist with navigating the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and/or advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 90 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
Tysons Corner, Virginia – April 6, 2026 – growth[period], a strategic advisory firm serving public- and private-sector clients at moments of growth, complexity, and transformation, today announced that Marty Brennan has joined the firm as Chief Operating Officer.
In this role, Mr. Brennan will drive operational excellence across the firm with a focus on translating strategy into execution, strengthening client relationships, and scaling the firm's ability to deliver as growth[period] builds on its momentum. His ability to balance high-level strategic oversight with hands-on operational leadership – combined with his deep industry knowledge – makes him a natural fit for this key role with growth[period]. Both clients and colleagues will benefit from his experience-based, actionable, and business-focused counsel at every stage of an engagement.
“Bringing Marty Brennan on as Chief Operating Officer reflects our exciting growth trajectory. Marty is a proven operator with the rare ability to translate strategy into execution at scale—exactly what is required as we continue to expand,” said Courtney B. Spaeth, CEO of growth[period]. “His leadership, discipline, and deep understanding of complex, mission-driven environments will strengthen our ability to deliver for clients and accelerate the execution of our strategy. We are thrilled to welcome him to the firm.”
Mr. Brennan brings more than 20 years advising public- and private-sector organizations on business, operational, and technology strategy. Known for his hands-on approach and operational rigor, he has built a strong reputation among industry executives and private equity firms for driving outcomes across transactions of all sizes — from large-scale combinations to smaller bolt-on deals — while keeping risk firmly in view and ensuring organizations emerge stronger on the other side.
Most recently, Mr. Brennan served as Managing Director of Transaction Advisory Services at Deep Water Point & Associates. Prior to that, he founded and led the Merger Integration practice at Celerity and served as market lead for North Highland's Washington, DC, office. He has also held senior leadership roles at Washington Consulting, Alion Science & Technology, KPMG Consulting/BearingPoint, Arthur Andersen Business Consulting, and Dealy Strategy Group.
Mr. Brennan holds a BA in Mathematics from Yale University and an MBA from the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business.
About growth[period]
For more than 19 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, geopolitical risk, strategy and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by companies in highly regulated industries. We are nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established firms seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; assist with navigating the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and/or advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 90 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
Tysons Corner, Virginia – April 2, 2026 – growth[period], a strategic advisory firm serving public- and private-sector clients at moments of growth, complexity, and transformation, announce that Lieutenant General Omar Jones, US Army (Retired) has joined the firm as a Strategic Client Advisor.
General Jones brings more than 30 years of senior military leadership and Department of Defense experience to growth[period]. In his role as Strategic Client Advisor, he will support clients navigating the defense and federal markets, leveraging his expertise in talent management, leadership development, and organizational performance.
General Jones most recently served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army Installation Command, where he led a global organization overseeing more than 100 installations, 60,000 personnel, and a $14 billion budget in support of Army readiness and quality of life for soldiers and their families. He brings experience building coalitions across government and private sectors at the local, state, and federal levels.
General Jones also led the Department of Defense’s Joint Task Force – National Capital Region during the COVID-19 response and 2021 Presidential Inauguration, and previously served as the U.S. Army’s Chief of Public Affairs. As a career infantry officer, he has operational experience across the United States and internationally. He holds degrees from Harvard University, the National Defense University, and the United States Military Academy at West Point.
About growth[period]
For more than 19 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, geopolitical risk, strategy and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by companies in highly regulated industries. We are nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established firms seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; assist with navigating the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and/or advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 90 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
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- 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.
- 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.
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