Thompson Gray today announced that, effective September 1st, 2026, Todd Johnston will become Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Ron Gray, who will transition to Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The transition marks a pivotal moment in Thompson Gray’s history as the company continues to build upon nearly two decades of serving the Department of War and Civilian agencies while remaining committed to the employee-owners who drive its success every day.
“Today represents both a celebration of our history and an investment in our future,” said Ron Gray, who will serve as Executive Chairman. “Todd has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to our employees, customers, and mission. He has positioned Thompson Gray for sustained growth while preserving the values that have defined this company since its founding. I have every confidence that Thompson Gray’s best years are still ahead.”
BUILDING ON A STRONG FOUNDATION
Ron & Cindy Gray took their controlling interest in Thompson Gray in 2013 and spent the next twelve years building it into the company it is today. Under their leadership, Thompson Gray grew from a specialized professional services firm into a trusted partner across the Federal Government, earning the customer relationships, technical reputation, and operating culture that anchor the company. The defining decision came in 2023, when he led the transaction that made Thompson Gray 100% employee-owned, selling the company to the people who helped build it, and aligning every employee’s success with the company’s own. Since that transition, Thompson Gray has grown to more than 300 employee-owners with annual revenues exceeding $70 million.
“Employee ownership changes the way you think about building a company,” Gray said. “Every decision is made with future generations of employee-owners in mind. That responsibility has guided our growth in recent years, and I know Todd shares that same commitment.”
As Executive Chairman, Ron will continue to lead the Board of Directors, support the company’s long-term strategic vision, and serve as a senior advisor to Todd in his role as CEO.
LEADING THE NEXT GENERATION
Todd Johnston joined Thompson Gray in 2023 after more than a decade of leadership in the defense and government contracting industry. Within two years he was named President, having become the driving force behind the company’s strategic direction, operational performance, and growth.
As President, Johnston strengthened the company’s strategic direction, expanded business development, deepened customer relationships, and built the operational discipline that has allowed Thompson Gray to scale without losing the culture and agility that set it apart. During his tenure, the company has broadened its customer base, added additional contract vehicles, and grown its capabilities to match the missions it serves. Inside the company, Johnston built out the executive leadership team, matured financial and governance operations, and invested in the systems and processes required to compete and win at greater scale.
“The foundation Ron built is extraordinary, and our job now is to build on it,” said Johnston. “That means taking exceptional care of our customers, investing in our employee-owners, and delivering innovative solutions that support our nation’s most critical missions.”
A MILESTONE FOR EVERY EMPLOYEE-OWNER
The leadership transition represents more than a change in executive leadership. It reflects the continued evolution of an employee-owned company built to thrive for generations.
As a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, Thompson Gray’s employees are more than members of the workforce. They are owners who share directly in the company’s success. This ownership culture fosters accountability, collaboration, and a long-term perspective that benefits customers, employees, and partners alike.
The appointment of Johnston as Chief Executive Officer represents the next chapter of that vision, ensuring continuity in leadership while positioning the company for continued innovation, strategic growth, and long-term success.
