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Top Health Care Execs to Watch in 2026: Leidos’ Masood Ahmed

SWStaff Writer|2 min read|May 18, 2026
Masood Ahmed, Leidos

Masood Ahmed

Vice President, Government Solutions, Health & Services Sector, Leidos

Masood Ahmed’s biggest recent achievement was advancing integrated solutions that combine mission software, data science and scientific research to improve outcomes for government agencies.

A key example is Leidos’ effort supporting Medicaid implementation in North Dakota, where Ahmed and his team launched a cloud-based platform built in just 12 weeks and implemented over 18 months, meeting timeline and budget. This work is helping agencies modernize systems, improve interoperability and better serve communities.

“Masood is a strategic and energetic leader who not only drives his team to deliver results but actively listens and empowers them along the way,” said Carla Cernigliaro, senior vice president of government services at Leidos. “His focus on integrating mission software, data science and research has already produced measurable impact, including rapid, successful program delivery like the North Dakota Medicaid platform. He is deeply committed to making a difference, and that commitment is evident in both his leadership and the outcomes his team achieves.”

Leidos is also aligning with administration priorities by modernizing systems, streamlining operations and applying data-driven approaches to reduce costs. A strong example is the company’s longstanding support of CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network, which serves over 39,000 healthcare facilities and 174,000 users with a single, standardized platform for tracking infections and patient safety. By integrating reporting, improving data accessibility and enabling faster public health response, Leidos helps reduce administrative burden and drive more efficient, transparent government operations.

Why Watch 

In 2026, Ahmed and his team are focused on turning data into actionable insights that improve outcomes and operational performance. Building on efforts like Leidos’ North Dakota Medicaid platform, they are scaling AI/ML, advanced analytics and interoperable data systems to enable faster, more coordinated decision-making. At the same time, they are strengthening end-to-end capabilities from research through evaluation to deliver measurable impact.

“Our mission demands tenacity and a commitment to excellence — we don’t just meet challenges, we outsmart them and outdo expectations to deliver real impact,” Ahmed said.

Fun fact: Ahmed gets asked often why he moved to NoVA from Australia. He believes challenging oneself is the essential catalyst for personal growth, transforming discomfort into strength and potential into reality.

See the entire Top Health Care Execs to Watch in 2026 list here. 

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