
Nancy Edwards of AMERICAN SYSTEMS has won WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Award for Executive Assistant of the Year (Private & Public Company).
On June 2, WashingtonExec unveiled the winners of the 2026 Chief Officer Awards, its premier recognition of the executives shaping the future of government contracting. This annual can’t-miss event celebrates bold, innovative leaders across government and industry.
The event took place at The Hilton in McLean, Virginia, where over 500 attendees came together for a memorable in-person luncheon.

In her finalist Q and A, Edwards discusses her role in the Epsilon acquisition, supporting strategic initiatives across the business, and the mindset required to succeed in an evolving executive support role.
“The executive assistant role is continually evolving,” she said. “To succeed, embrace adaptability, maintain a willingness to learn, anticipate needs before they arise, and approach every task — big or small — with professionalism, integrity and an ownership mindset.”
Along with the government and industry winners, John G. Edwards, president of the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes Edwards for his decades of exceptional service to the nation, marked by transformative leadership at the CIA and an enduring commitment to its people and mission.
WashingtonExec extends its gratitude to its silver sponsors, KippsDeSanto & Co. and Morgan Stanley; to its award sponsor, M&T Bank; and to its many table sponsors for their generous support.



