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Top Contracts Execs to Watch in 2025: SMX’s Laurell Aiton

SWStaff Writer|2 min read|September 2, 2025
Laurell Aiton, SMX

Laurell Aiton

Chief Administrative Officer, SMX

Laurell Aiton’s biggest recent achievement was leading her team’s response to GSA FSA’s review of federal spending. Building on SMX’s mantra of “sell outcomes, not hours,” they pushed for a shift to a firm fixed price delivery model that cut cost and risk while improving quality, scalability, security, reliability and speed.

“Despite the impact of government cost-cutting initiatives in 2025, we successfully redeployed much of our affected talent through strong collaboration between our Talent Acquisition team and engaged program managers,” Aiton said.

SMX aligns with current administration priorities by delivering commercial solutions to DOD clients that save hundreds of millions through contractor-owned intelligence systems and analysis. Most contracts focus on mission execution over advisory work, with performance-based elements that reduce cost, streamline operations and improve efficiency.

“Laurell’s teams continue to contribute significantly to SMX’s success,” said Peter LaMontagne, SMX CEO. “Her broad portfolio, from talent acquisition to acquisition benefits integration plus security, contracts, and facilities, Laurell’s executive leadership in these critical areas makes her a highly valued executive on my team.”

Why Watch

In 2025, Aiton and her team are focused on strengthening relationships within SMX and with acquisition counterparts. She believes lasting success comes from deliberate relationship-building that fosters collaboration, streamlines procurement and drives efficiency. The Contracts team is committed to embedded client partnerships that ensure taxpayer resources are used effectively and transparently.

“In today’s government contracting environment, leadership means navigating shifting regulations and competitive pressures with both agility and integrity,” Aiton said. “True leaders inspire trust by balancing mission success with unwavering accountability to stakeholders and taxpayers alike.”

Fun Fact: Aiton completed the Disney Dopey Challenge, which involves four consecutive days of races-a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon, totaling 48.6 miles. Completing this endurance event was both physically and mentally rewarding. “I’m also a proud new grandmother, affectionately known as ‘Lovey,'” she said.

See the entire Top Contracts Execs to Watch in 2025 list here. 

SW
Staff Writer
WashingtonExec celebrates the people, programs, and milestones shaping the Washington, D.C. government contracting community.
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