John Gerbracht
Vice President of Contracts, HII Mission Technologies
With three decades of experience in federal and commercial contracting, John Gerbracht is widely recognized not only for his operational expertise but for his strategic foresight and ability to lead through transformation. In a year defined by sweeping acquisition reform, he’s guiding HII through one of the most disruptive and consequential shifts in government procurement in recent history.
Gerbracht’s leadership spans the full lifecycle of contracts — from proposal development to closeout — but his true impact lies in how he’s preparing the business to thrive in a radically changing environment. Under his direction, HII has taken a proactive stance on acquisition reform, forming a tiger team that meets regularly to track regulatory changes, interpret executive directives and implement strategic responses across the enterprise.
“This isn’t just about adapting to new rules,” Gerbracht said. “It’s about reshaping how we operate. We’re not waiting for change to happen to us. We’re leaning in, preparing our business to lead in the new acquisition environment.”
Why Watch
Beyond systems and strategy, Gerbracht is reshaping the culture of the contracts organization itself. He instilled a philosophy of business partnering, encouraging his team to be visible, collaborative and engaged. In an industry where contracts professionals often operate behind the scenes, Gerbracht is pushing for a more dynamic, communicative, out in front, and relationship-driven approach that strengthens internal alignment and government engagement.
Gerbracht is also driving innovation through the integration of artificial intelligence into the contracts function. From monitoring acquisition policy changes in real time to accelerating proposal development and enhancing competitive analysis, AI is becoming a strategic tool under his leadership and across HII MT.
“John’s efforts are helping reshape how the business bids, wins and executes contracts—ensuring long-term success in a more performance-focused environment,” said Rich Fisne, senior vice president of contracts, pricing and procurement at HII MT. “His team has become a critical engine for readiness, ensuring we are not only compliant, but competitive in the face of evolving government priorities.”