Announcements and news

  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  

Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – August 14, 2025 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Andrew Haeuptle has joined the firm as a Strategic Client Advisor. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, he will work with clients on strategic approaches for growth and development. Mr. Andy Haeuptle is a retired Senior Executive with over 44 years of distinguished civilian and military service to the Department of Defense. He most recently served as Director of the Navy Staff, advising the Chief of Naval Operations on manning, training, and equipping a 650,000-member global workforce and managing a $245 billion budget. His career includes roles as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of the White House Situation Room, Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of the Navy, and Senior Director in the Office of the Chief Management Officer, where he led DoD’s $46 billion business reform initiative and enhanced contingency contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. A retired Marine Corps Colonel with 26 years of operational and senior-level service, Mr. Haeuptle holds degrees from The Ohio State University, Georgetown University, and the National Defense University, and has been recognized with the Presidential Rank Award, the Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Award, and numerous military decorations. Haeuptle joins growth[period]’s innovative Strategic Advisory Team, which offers clients experience-based, actionable, and business-focused advice. As an experienced executive, he helps growth[period]’s clients develop and prioritize practical approaches and solutions suited to each client’s unique culture, circumstances, and business development needs. growth[period]’s Strategic Advisory Program supports clients at every stage, whether the client is a high-growth start-up, a late-stage company preparing for a transaction, or a multinational public company. Similarly, the program is intended to support companies ranging from those with no or limited business development resources to those with well-established growth/transaction teams. For more information, visit growth[period] at www.growthprd.com.   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 the federal contractors and commercial businesses hoping to enter 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; 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 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 7, 2025 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Dwayne Lockett has joined the firm as a Strategic Client Advisor. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, Mr. Locket will draw from over 29 years of distinguished federal service spanning the Federal Bureau of Investigation (2012–present), United States Secret Service (2000–2012), United States Army Reserve (2011-2012), and United States Marine Corps (1996–2000) to advise and work with clients on strategic approaches for growth and development. Lockett currently serves as a Supervisory Special Agent at the FBI, where he provided operational and administrative guidance on complex criminal, counterterrorism, and counterintelligence matters. He is a certified Crisis Management Coordinator, Emotional Intelligence Leadership Instructor, and Adjunct Faculty member for the FBI, with additional expertise in tactical leadership, surveillance, and critical incident response. His prior assignments include serving in the Presidential Protection Division, where he was responsible for devising and executing tactical security plans for high-level domestic and international events. Mr. Lockett is a certified firefighter, HAZMAT responder, and former nationally registered tactical paramedic. He holds a Master of Arts in Intelligence and a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency & Disaster Management from American Public University and has been recognized with numerous commendations, including the Presidential Support Badge and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Lockett joins growth[period]’s innovative Strategic Advisory Team, which offers clients experience-based, actionable, and business-focused advice. As an experienced executive, he will help growth[period]’s clients develop and prioritize practical approaches and solutions suited to each client’s unique culture, circumstances, and business development needs. growth[period]’s Strategic Advisory Program supports clients at every stage, whether the client is a high-growth start-up, a late-stage company preparing for a transaction, or a multinational public company. Similarly, the program is intended to support companies ranging from those with no or limited business development resources to those with well-established growth/transaction teams. For more information, visit growth[period] at www.growthprd.com.   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 the federal contractors and commercial businesses hoping to enter 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; 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 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

Tysons, VA– August 5, 2025 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Matthew Waggoner has joined the firm as a Strategic Client Advisor. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, he will work with clients on strategic approaches for growth and development. Matthew Waggoner brings to growth[period] over 25 years of leadership in financial management, acquisitions, and program oversight within both the federal government and defense sectors. Mr. Waggoner most recently served as Director of Vendor Performance at Federal Student Aid (FSA), an office within the U.S. Department of Education. In this role, he oversaw the performance of federal student loan servicers, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards across a $1.6 trillion loan portfolio. He led initiatives to improve vendor accountability and service delivery, directly impacting millions of borrowers nationwide. Prior to his tenure at FSA, Mr. Waggoner held the position of Chief of Budget Formulation for the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Waggoner holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland and has completed advanced studies in public administration and financial management. Waggoner joins growth[period]’s innovative Strategic Advisory Team, which offers clients experience-based, actionable, and business-focused advice. As an experienced executive, Waggoner helps growth[period]’s clients develop and prioritize practical approaches and solutions suited to each client’s unique culture, circumstances, and business development needs. growth[period]’s Strategic Advisory Program supports clients at every stage, whether the client is a high-growth start-up, a late-stage company preparing for a transaction, or a multinational public company. Similarly, the program is intended to support companies ranging from those with no or limited business development resources to those with well-established growth/transaction teams. For more information, visit growth[period] at www.growthprd.com.   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 the federal contractors and commercial businesses hoping to enter 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; 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 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

Tysons, VA — July 30^th, 2025 — growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, is pleased to announce the release of its Mid-Year Review and Outlook. This comprehensive report delivers forward-looking insights into funding trends, policy shifts, procurement priorities, and emerging opportunities shaping the government and defense landscape. Designed for industry leaders, policy experts, and decision-makers, the outlook provides strategic intelligence to navigate the months ahead. To access the full report, please sign up here.

Tysons Corner, Virginia – July 25, 2025 – ESGI-Potomac Recruiting is delighted to announce that Megan Norris has joined the firm as Director-Career Services. In this key leadership role, Megan will oversee the development and execution of comprehensive career development strategies designed to support the continued growth and success of our team members.

Megan Norris comes to ESGI Potomac Recruiting with over 25 years of strategic communications expertise. A Certified Professional Résumé Writer, she excels at crafting compelling career narratives for a diverse cadre of accomplished professionals.

Her unique background blends two distinct careers. Megan served 12 years as a Federal Air Marshal, undertaking covert domestic and international missions and contributing in roles such as Public Affairs Officer and Taskings Division specialist. She also built a strong communications résumé prior to her federal service, holding senior roles—including Communications Manager—at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, Brookdale Living, and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. In these positions she oversaw public relations, media training, crisis communications, and executive speech writing.

Following her 2018 retirement from the Federal Air Marshal Service, Megan launched her own firm, Norris Editorial and Writing Services, delivering résumé, bio, and document writing and editing to a diverse clientele. At growth[period], she will focus on developing executive career documentation—including résumés, cover letters, executive biographies—as well as optimizing LinkedIn profiles to ensure her clients present themselves powerfully across all career platforms.

Megan has a proven ability to translate complex experience into compelling narratives. In May 2024, she received First Place in the Federal Résumé Category of the PARWCC Elite Circle Résumé Contest. She also presented at the 2024 Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) Annual Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., on “Creating Effective Job Application Documents for Female Law Enforcement and Civilian Career Advancement,” and is a regular contributor to WIFLE’s Quarterly Newsletter.

She holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in English/Journalism with a minor in Political Analysis from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio).

“I’m excited to join ESGI Potomac Recruiting and support senior leaders in shaping their professional narratives,” said Megan Norris. “Helping clients articulate their career stories, to align with their ambitions, while standing out in competitive environments is incredibly rewarding work.”

Megan’s approach centers on thorough comprehension, strategic storytelling, and meticulous attention to detail—ensuring clients confidently present their credentials, align with industry expectations, and successfully navigate career transitions.

ESGI-Potomac Recruiting is a premier retainer based executive search firm specializing in recruiting top-tier executive and professional talent across various industries. With a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of client needs, ESGI-Potomac Recruiting delivers tailored solutions that drive organizational success. For more information about ESGI-Potomac Recruiting and its services, please visitwww.executivesearchgroupinc.com

CONTACT

Talia Frey

info@esgipotomac.com

703.894.2121

Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – July 23, 2025 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, today announced that Marnix (Mark) R. Koumans has joined the firm as a Strategic Client Advisor. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, Mr. Koumans will draw from decades of transformational executive leadership experience in foreign and domestic security, trade, immigration policymaking, operations, and mission support at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - including at DHS Headquarters, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of State, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative - to advise our clients on solving complex problems.   Mr. Koumans’ extensive experience includes having served most recently as the Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) for Operations Support (OS) at CBP from 2021 to 2025. Prior to that Mr. Koumans served as the Deputy Director of USCIS, as well as the Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) for Enterprise Services at CBP. He also previously served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at DHS and as a Foreign Service Officer at the Department of State. Koumans joins growth[period]’s innovative Strategic Advisory Team, which offers clients experience-based, actionable, and strategic advice. growth[period] CEO, Courtney B. Spaeth, stated that “Mark adds tremendous value to growth[period] as a global organization. His experience and insights will greatly expand our expertise in the Homeland Security, customs and immigration sectors with corporate and private equity clients." As an experienced executive, Koumans helps growth[period]’s clients develop and prioritize practical approaches and solutions suited to each client’s unique culture, circumstances, and business development needs. growth[period]’s Strategic Advisory Program supports clients at every stage, whether the client is a high-growth start-up, a late-stage company preparing for a transaction, or a multinational public company. Similarly, the program is intended to support companies ranging from those with no or limited business development resources to those with well-established growth/transaction teams. For more information, visit growth[period] at www.growthprd.com.   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 the federal contractors and commercial businesses hoping to enter 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; 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 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