As CEO of one of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, Mark Drever says the mission is “straightforward but vital: helping to keep this country safe.”
Drever leads Xcelerate Solutions and is a finalist for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards in the Private Company (annual revenue greater than $100 million and less than $500 million) CEO of the Year category. The event takes place live June 2.
In this spotlight, he discusses Xcelerate’s award-winning growth, its value proposition for aviation security, and why understanding your core values early in your career is key to success.
What key achievements did you have in 2025/2026?
At Xcelerate Solutions, my focus has always been the same: driving growth, pushing innovation, and making a meaningful impact on national security. This year, we took another important step forward with the acquisition of clearAvenue, which is one of the few firms with proven advanced AI and machine learning capabilities.
Bringing that expertise into Xcelerate positions us even more strongly at the intersection of technology and mission. It also builds on the momentum from our transformative 2024 acquisitions of VMD Corp and GDIT’s background investigation division, which significantly expanded our federal footprint and strengthened our role as a trusted partner to government agencies.
What I’m most proud of is how our team continues to translate strategy into results. In 2025, Xcelerate’s revenue grew from $167 million to $202 million — a 21% increase following an extraordinary 98% surge the year before. That momentum earned us the No. 9 ranking on the Washington Business Journal’s Fastest-Growing Companies list. We also secured the largest contract award in company history in October, a milestone that reflects both the strength of our team and the confidence our government partners place in us.
It’s always gratifying to see that work recognized. This year, Xcelerate earned Virginia Values Veterans certification, was named a finalist for GovCon Company of the Year, received the Department of Labor’s HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Award for the fifth consecutive year, and appeared for the seventh time on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies.
Personally, I was honored to be named EY Mid-Atlantic Entrepreneur of the Year, selected as a finalist for GovCon Executive of the Year, and appointed to the Northern Virginia Chamber Board of Directors.
But recognition is never the goal, it’s the mission that matters. Our aviation security teams continue to set the standard, earning national recognition, including a top-five J.D. Power ranking for our Kansas City International Airport security operations and USA Today recognition of Greater Rochester International Airport as a top 10 small airport.
This past year also reminded me that leadership is tested most during challenging moments. With federal program cuts, divisive rhetoric and even a government shutdown, resilience matters. Through it all, we’ve stayed grounded in the mission that has guided Xcelerate since day one: keeping this country safe. That mission — and the extraordinary people behind it — continues to drive everything we do.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Looking ahead, my focus is on ensuring Xcelerate continues to deliver mission-critical solutions that help keep our country safe while supporting federal agencies facing growing operational pressures. Nowhere is that more evident than in aviation security. As passenger volumes rise, workforce shortages persist, and funding uncertainty affects long-term planning, the security model that has protected our aviation system for more than two decades is under increasing strain.
This moment requires both resilience and innovation. Xcelerate is poised to bring together advanced technologies, operational expertise and new partnership models that allow security operations to remain strong while adapting to today’s realities.
Aviation security is a major priority for Xcelerate. Increasing threats and traveler patience are sparking an important national conversation about whether the current screening model is sustainable in the long term. Greater flexibility and innovation can improve both security and passenger experience.
Programs like the Screening Partnership Program have already demonstrated that strong public-private collaboration can deliver outstanding results. Airports that have adopted the model see stronger workforce stability, higher service quality and greater operational flexibility — all while maintaining the same rigorous federal security standards. We are at an inflection point where more airports need to seriously evaluate alternative screening models that give local leaders greater control while preserving the security framework travelers rely on.
That shift presents an opportunity to rethink how aviation security is delivered. Private-sector partners can bring operational agility, advanced technology integration, and specialized workforce management, helping airports adapt more quickly to changing demands. Our experience supporting aviation security operations positions us well to help airports navigate that transition while ensuring the highest levels of professionalism, performance and accountability.
At the end of the day, our mission remains straightforward but vital: helping to keep this country safe. Whether that means strengthening aviation security, modernizing government capabilities or bringing innovative solutions to complex national security challenges, everything we do at Xcelerate is focused on delivering measurable results for the missions that matter most.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Great question. I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders, particularly those who want to serve in government and national security. One of the highlights of my year is spending time with the outstanding young people who join Xcelerate through our summer internship program. Watching them bring fresh ideas, energy and commitment to public service reminds me why investing in the next generation is so important.
The best career advice I can give starts with understanding your core values. Early in your career, take time to define what you stand for — then find organizations that share your values. Your values don’t need to match an organization’s exactly, but they should never clash. When your personal principles and your organization’s mission align, you’ll feel a greater sense of purpose and be motivated to do your best work.
For me, a few principles have guided my entire career. The first is trust. If you work with me, I need to know I can trust you with my life and my family’s safety. In the national security business, the stakes are real. Trust is the foundation of every strong team.
The second is loyalty. Loyalty means committing yourself fully to the success of the team. It means being honest about your capabilities, holding yourself accountable, and doing everything you can to help the people around you succeed.
The third is simple, but I believe the most powerful: always do the right thing. Many people talk about doing the right thing, but fewer commit to always doing the right thing, especially when it’s difficult. Integrity means honoring your commitments, holding people accountable, and making decisions that serve both the mission and the people who carry it out.
Another piece of advice is to commit to getting better every day. I consider myself a lifelong learner and dedicate time each month to personal leadership development. Growth doesn’t happen by accident; you have to invest in it consistently.
Finally, pay it forward. I would not be where I am today without mentors and leaders who believed in me and gave me opportunities early in my life. Now I feel a responsibility to do the same for others — whether through mentorship, internships or helping young professionals find their path in service to this country.
If you focus on your values, work hard to improve every day and commit yourself to a mission larger than yourself, you’ll build a career that is not only successful but meaningful.
What is something about you that most people do not know?
Outside of work, I’m an avid cyclist and have completed more than 10 century rides for charity. Long rides give you a lot of time to think. They reinforce the value of endurance, discipline and teamwork. Whether you’re leading a company or riding the last 20 miles of a century, progress usually comes from steady effort and the right people riding alongside you.
