FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Former Navy Weapons Systems Officer and defense industry leader brings operational expertise and a strong track record for growth to support advanced technology and national security client’s government relations and federal funding efforts.
Washington, DC – April 28, 2026: McAllister & Quinn is pleased to announce that Andrew Laton has joined the firm as Vice President of its Defense & Advanced Technology practice. In this role, he will lead the expansion of the firm’s Defense & Advanced Technology portfolio, driving new business development while working closely with national security clients to identify, pursue, and secure federal funding opportunities.
Andrew will play a central role in strengthening McAllister & Quinn’s presence across the defense and technology sectors by cultivating collaborative partnerships with industry, academia, and the government to drive innovative solutions, strategic positioning, and capture strategy that aligns to DoW needs. His work will focus on helping clients navigate the dynamic federal landscape by providing capability to defense mission alignment, facilitating connections with key government stakeholders, including program and acquisition leaders, and collaboration on a comprehensive strategy to enable enduring programmatic success that ensures critical warfighting capabilities are delivered ahead of need.
He joins the firm following a distinguished 16-year military career, including 13 years on active duty as an F/A-18 Weapons Systems Officer supporting multiple combat operations and deployments. During his service, Andrew graduated from the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and served as an instructor at the Navy’s Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic, where he trained and mentored Carrier Air Wings and contributed to the development of mission-critical warfighting strategies. He also held key leadership roles, including Training Officer, FAC-A Program Manager, and Assistant Operations Department Head, and supported operations such as Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom Sentinel. He continues to serve in the New Hampshire Air National Guard, supporting the KC-46 Test Force.
Following his military service, Andrew held business development and program leadership roles in the defense sector, where he supported successful SBIR awards, strategic contract development, and growth initiatives, helping organizations align emerging technologies with Department of Defense priorities.
“Andrew brings a powerful combination of operational military experience and proven success in defense-focused business development,” said Andy Quinn, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of McAllister & Quinn. “He understands how to align emerging technologies with mission needs and federal funding priorities, and how to position organizations to compete and grow in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.”
“Andrew brings a powerful combination of operational military experience and proven success in defense-focused business development,” said Andy Quinn, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of McAllister & Quinn. “He understands how to align emerging technologies with mission needs and federal funding priorities, and how to position organizations to compete and grow in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.”
Andrew is already familiar to McAllister & Quinn clients and staff, having served as a consultant within the McAllister & Quinn Network since August 2025. In that capacity, he supported Defense & Advanced Technology initiatives and contributed to client growth through targeted opportunity development and market alignment.
About McAllister & Quinn: McAllister & Quinn is a leading Federal grants consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations secure funding for impactful projects and initiatives. Based in Washington, DC, McAllister & Quinn’s unique approach has helped clients secure over $16 billion in federal grants. To learn more about McAllister & Quinn visit www.jm-aq.com.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Michelle Fellows | MFellows@jm-aq.com | (202) – 216 – 4488
