Sikich’s regional headquarters located in the Carlyle neighborhood of Alexandria.
Sikich is making its mark in the Washington, DC, metro area. The global professional services company expanded its reach with a state-of-the-art office in Carlyle. Since establishing a presence in Alexandria, Sikich has grown its regional team from 50 to over 300 employees.
The Journey to Alexandria
Sikich first took root in Alexandria after acquiring Halt, Buzas & Powell, Ltd. in 2019, followed by Cotton & Company in 2022. Cotton’s long-standing presence in the City made Alexandria a natural fit for Sikich’s regional headquarters.
“When the deal with Sikich came about, it logically made sense to make Alexandria our home,” said Gary Barton, principal, Government Services and DC market expansion leader at Sikich. “Given the investment we made in the building and the long-term investment we’ve made in the City, the transition was seamless. Even before Cotton, Sikich had a presence here on Braddock Road. Consolidating our talent within the City was the obvious choice.” The company’s office move to Carlyle marked a strategic turning point, igniting Sikich’s five-year vision of strengthening its presence in the region. Headquartered in Chicago, Sikich continues to grow, now boasting approximately 2,000 employees internationally and over 300 full-time employees in Alexandria.
Gary Barton, principal, Government Services and DC market expansion leader at Sikich.
A Culture-First Growth Strategy
Over the past five years, Sikich completed five acquisitions in the DC metropolitan area, including Cherry Bekaert’s Federal Practice and Sagger & Rosenberg in 2024. Despite its rapid growth, the company remains deeply committed to a culture-first approach.
“Growth at this scale requires deliberate action,” Barton explained. “Two of our four stated business priorities are focused on people and culture because we know when our employees have a place to grow and be successful, everything else follows. Going above and beyond to care for our teams isn’t just a priority; it’s how we ensure long-term success.”
Investment from Bain Capital
In 2024, Sikich’s growth trajectory received a major boost with a $250 million minority investment from Bain Capital, enabling further expansion. “One of the key benefits of this investment is the credibility it brings to our brand. It allows us to expand our reach, not just locally but across the country and internationally,” Barton said.
Why Alexandria?
Initially, Sikich considered several office locations, including Washington, DC, and Arlington. Alexandria consistently stood out with a business ecosystem aligned with the company’s expertise in serving corporations, federal agencies, state and local governments, and nonprofits.
“We evaluated multiple opportunities, but Alexandria stood out because we didn’t have to compromise on what mattered most—proximity to clients, employee accessibility, and the overall business environment,” Barton said. “The walkability, access to transportation and connectivity to key institutions like the Department of Defense, the Pentagon, the Mark Center, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the National Science Foundation made it a logical choice.”
Additionally, Sikich’s Alexandria office is positioned to attract top talent from universities like Virginia Tech and George Mason University, allowing the company to recruit and retain a skilled workforce without relocation.
This past February, the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus celebrated the ribbon cutting in Potomac Yard for its new academic building, further establishing Alexandria as a hub for tech and innovation in the region.
Inside the employee breakroom at Sikich’s regional headquarters.
Community Engagement & Economic Impact
Beyond business, Sikich is committed to the Alexandria community. The company supports local organizations such as the Carpenter’s Shelter and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, where its regional office was the highest-grossing fundraising team.
“There’s a strong sense of connection in Alexandria, and we want to be part of that,” Barton said. “Whether it’s sponsoring the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade or participating in local Chamber events, we value the opportunity to contribute.”
Sikich also plays a key role in supporting local businesses and nonprofits, extending its impact beyond government contracting. “We help nonprofits optimize their resources, provide strategic consulting, and support government agencies in achieving their goals,” Barton noted. “At the same time, we see tremendous potential to drive value in areas like data and AI, forensic and valuation services, human capital management, and workplace risk management. By investing in tech-enabled solutions and staying ahead of the curve in an often disruptive environment, we ensure that our clients across all sectors are prepared for what’s next.”
Advice for Businesses Considering Alexandria
For companies exploring Alexandria as a business destination, Sikich’s advice is simple: Immerse yourself in the community.
“Get involved—attend events in Del Ray, the West End, and Carlyle. Explore the business improvement districts, and understand the City’s culture firsthand,” Barton advised.
Looking Ahead
As Sikich expands, Alexandria remains a cornerstone of its growth strategy. The City’s strong talent pipeline, strategic location, and vibrant community offer a thriving environment for businesses looking to scale in the region and beyond.’
“Alexandria’s added value to our employees, clients, and business contributes to our success,” Barton added.
With a firm foundation in Alexandria and an eye toward the future, Sikich is poised to remain a leader in the region’s ever-evolving business landscape.
Looking to grow or relocate your business in Alexandria? Click here to connect with our Business Development team and discover how we can help you find the perfect space, talent, and support to thrive in our bold business community.
Photos courtesy of Sikich.