Nathan L. Copeland, Jr. ’85 is a mission-driven executive with over 40 years of experience leading business growth, operational excellence, and building high-performing organizational
cultures across government and industry. He has delivered mission-critical capabilities to the Department of Defense and multiple three-letter Intelligence agencies, both CONUS and OCONUS.
Today, as President of Xcellent Technology Solutions Inc. (XTS), Copeland leads enterprise growth, strategic partnerships, and organizational development- enhancing both mission delivery
and company impact across the federal landscape. In parallel, as Founder of NCOURAGE LLC, he serves as a trusted coach, facilitator, and speaker- helping leaders and organizations strengthen culture, elevate leadership effectiveness, and build workplaces where people thrive. NCOURAGE is also a Prince William County Virginia Chamber of Commerce member company.
Nate is a John Maxwell Leadership Certified Team member, Certified Culture Facilitator, and Behavioral Analysis Consultant. He has also served on the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) Board of Directors and remains active across key national security and industry organizations.
Prior to XTS, Copeland served as the President of Intelligence Technologies, LLC from 2012-2021 (which was acquired by ANSER in 2021). In this role, he set strategy, developed and maintained the brand of the company, and drove continued growth and double-digit profits. Some other roles Copeland has held previously were senior director at BAE Systems, from 2011 to 2012 and principal at Booz Allen
Hamilton, from 1992 to 2011.
“The most rewarding experiences in my career continue to be empowering my differing teams to thrive,” said Copeland. “I’ve prided myself on being an inclusive executive who enjoys building and leading high-performing teams while championing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.”
After graduating from Shenandoah in 1985, Copeland joined the United States Air Force where he served in various assignments, ending his Air Force service as a Captain. One of his most rewarding experiences was serving as the Chief of Imagery Intelligence at Headquarters, United States Central Command, during
Operation Desert Storm in 1992.
While at Shenandoah, Copeland was able to “dip his toe into leadership.” During his time as an undergrad, he worked with the Dean of Students and the Winchester Chapter of Kiwanis to form and lead Shenandoah’s chapter of Circle K. He also started the first chapter of Chi Beta Phi, a Science Honorary Society, where he
eventually served as the national vice president.
“Attendance at Shenandoah is MORE than getting a degree. Use the opportunity totruly grow as a citizen,” said Copeland.
As a member of the Shenandoah Alumni Association Board of Directors, Copeland is ready to “give back to the place where it all started” and is “hopeful to have the opportunity to influence the future leaders coming out of the institution.”
Copeland and wife, Sherri, reside in Manassas, Virginia. Their daughters, Brianna and Kayla, both graduates of James Madison University, reside in Harrisonburg, Virginia.