Tim Cooke
Timothy W. Cooke, PhD
Chief Executive Officer, President | ASI Government
An accomplished leader with more than 40 years of experience, Timothy W. Cooke, PhD, has excelled as chief executive officer and president of ASI Government, an organization that helps federal agencies overcome acquisition obstacles and work more efficiently, since 2017. Joining the company in 2013 as president of its consulting division, he ultimately acquired 85 percent ownership and revitalized ASI Government significantly over the last number of years; his leadership has brought about robust growth and a dynamic operational environment, including a talented team and a roster of esteemed clients.
Among the myriad duties within his leadership position, Dr. Cooke primarily engages with customers, particularly senior government officials overseeing investments and spending, and delegates internal management responsibilities to a colleague while focusing on external interactions. Intensely dedicated to his career, he leads with his classical, timeless values and mission to help “protect and preserve the aspirations of the American experiment in self-governance.”
Backed by a strong education, Dr. Cooke earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from George Mason University and then a master’s and Doctor of Philosophy from Johns Hopkins University. He subsequently launched his professional journey in academia, serving as an assistant professor of economics at Rice University from 1979 to 1984 before becoming a senior economist with the Center for Naval Analyses, developing his expertise in the business of government. Wielding this experience, he joined SRA International—a federal government contracting service—where he was active as principal and senior principal from 1992 to 1998 and ultimately vice president from 1998 to 2013.
In addition to his primary endeavors, Dr. Cooke has lent his expertise to numerous organizations. He has long served on the Acquisition Management Council within the Intelligence and National Security Alliance and on the Board of Advisors for the National Contract Management Association. From 2020 to 2024, he was active as vice chair of finance with the American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council, from which he received a Collaboration Award in 2021.
Looking ahead toward the next decade, Dr. Cooke has considered retirement, but believes his passion for making a meaningful impact will likely keep him engaged in work. He remains driven by the goal of leveraging the strengths of the private sector to enhance government operations and bridging the gap between the two.
Reflecting on his robust career, Dr. Cooke attributes his success to the valuable relationships he has cultivated with mentors; he would actively seek out individuals who could provide guidance, coaching, and support. To those aspiring to enter his industry, he emphasizes the importance of networking and its proven value in connecting with people. In addition, he believes no good things would have happened without his wife, Sherrie, whom he met at Johns Hopkins University and married in 1975.
Press Release
Timothy W. Cooke, PhD, Presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who
Timothy W. Cooke, PhD, has been endorsed by Marquis Who’s Who as a leader in government consulting
LEESBURG, VA, January 28, 2025 — Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Timothy W. Cooke, PhD with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Timothy W. Cooke, PhD celebrates many years’ experience in his professional network and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Cooke, a distinguished leader in the business of government, has dedicated 45 years to his profession. As the president and chief executive officer of ASI Government in the Washington, D.C., metro area, he has transformed the company into a thriving entity with a talented team and esteemed clients. As a trusted advisor to government leaders, Dr. Cooke aims to progress mission performance while improving organizational effectiveness and driving strategic change.
A career characterized by classical values and a commitment to preserving the aspirations of self-governance, Dr. Cooke initially focused on serving as the president of his firm’s consulting division in 2013. There, he worked with senior government officials and delegated internal management responsibilities. Dr. Cooke became president and chief executive officer in 2015 before acquiring the business in 2017.
Before joining ASI Government, Dr. Cooke was the vice president at SRA International from 1998 to 2013. During this time, he managed various commercial and government businesses, gaining extensive experience in federal government contracting services. His career at SRA International began in 1992 as a principal and later as a senior principal until 1998. Earlier in his career, Dr. Cooke was a senior economist at the Center for Naval Analyses between 1985 and 1991, where he honed his analytical skills. He also taught as an assistant professor of economics at Rice University from 1979 to 1984.
Dr. Cooke’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his professional success. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Economics at George Mason University in 1975, followed by a Master of Arts in Economics and a Doctor of Philosophy in economics from Johns Hopkins University in 1979. These academic achievements have shaped his expertise and approach to business.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cooke has been actively involved in industry-related organizations. He is a member and former vice chair for finance at the American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC). He also serves on the board of advisors for the National Contract Management Association. Additionally, Dr. Cooke is a member of the acquisition management council at the Intelligence and National Security Alliance and serves on the board of directors for the Professional Services Council.
Dr. Cooke’s contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Collaboration Award from ACT-IAC in 2020 and being named among the Fed 100 by FCW that same year. His dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry has been widely acknowledged. Dr. Cooke attributes much of his success to his upbringing and the values instilled by his parents. He discovered early on that virtues such as honesty, integrity and justice are essential for making a difference. These principles have guided him throughout his career and personal life.
Looking ahead, Dr. Cooke remains committed to leveraging private sector strengths to enhance government operations. He envisions bridging the gap between dynamic private sector capabilities and critical government missions.