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2026 Innovate Tech Forum
21 July - 23 July, 2026 - CDT
Where Small Business Innovation Strengthens the Arsenal of Freedom.
Summit Agenda
08:00
Welcome & Opening Remarks
08:10
Keynote Speaker - Mission Critical Technology Development
The Honorable James Caggy
Assistant Secretary of<br> War for Mission Capabilities
The Honorable James Caggy
Assistant Secretary of<br> War for Mission Capabilities
James R. Caggy serves as the Assistant Secretary of War for Mission Capabilities within the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. In this capacity, he is responsible for accelerating the prototyping, experimentation, and fielding of new operational capabilities to warfighters; managing the Mission Engineering & Integration Activity (MEIA); and expanding partnerships with industry.
Previously, Mr. Caggy served as a technical advisor to the Office of the Secretary of War Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO). In this advisory role, he was instrumental in developing innovative ways to counter emerging threats across all domains, and in delivering game-changing asymmetric capabilities that create strategic operational effects. Mr. Caggy began his career as a U.S. Army Infantry officer, having been inspired to serve in the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001. Over more than a decade of service, he held multiple leadership positions, including command of a Rifle Company. His operational experience includes several combat deployments to the Middle East and Afghanistan. His military awards and decorations, earned over years of leading soldiers through complex and demanding environments, include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Beyond his government service, Mr. Caggy was an executive at Amazon Web Services (AWS) from 2013 to 2023. He joined AWS to support the Intelligence Community’s groundbreaking Commercial Cloud Services (C2S) effort, where he built and led multiple engineering teams to deliver TOP SECRET and SECRET classified commercial cloud services for the U.S. Government and its partners. He worked closely with the DoW CIO, SOCOM, NSA/Cyber Command, and others in the Intelligence Community to architect and deploy warfighter-enabling services. From 2019 to 2023, he led the AWS Commercial Space and Special Connectivity product engineering organizations.
08:40
From Mission to Execution: Aligning the Enterprise to Deliver Capability
Lieutenant General <br>Heath A. Collins
Director, Missile Defense Agency
Lieutenant General <br>Heath A. Collins
Director, Missile Defense Agency
Lieutenant General Heath Collins is the Director, Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and advises the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering on Missile Defense programmatic policy, requirements, priorities, systems, resources, and programs. MDA's global mission is to develop, test, field, and sustain integrated, layered missile defense capabilities to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies and friends against missile attacks in all phases of flight. Collins directs the $11 billion global organization with more than 9,000 military, civilian and contract personnel. He exercises management oversight for the Missile Defense System to include program management of missile defense resources which he synchronizes with the services in support of Combatant Command requirements.
Collins previously served as the Program Executive for Ground-based Weapon Systems for the Missile Defense Agency. Programs in Collins' portfolio included Ground-based Midcourse Defense, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, four Joint U.S. and Israeli Programs, and several classified programs collectively valued at over $3.4 billion annually.
Collins entered the Air Force in 1993, receiving his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Clarkson University. His acquisition, space, test, operations, and staff assignments encompass weapons, electronic countermeasures, space, radar, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, nuclear, fighter, bomber, and missile defense systems. He has served in numerous program management and senior leader positions including Air Force Program Executive Officer for Weapons, Air Force Program Executive Officer for Fighters and Bombers, System Program Director for the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (Sentinel) program, Deputy Director for the Infrared Space Systems Directorate and the Remote Sensing Systems Directorate, Deputy Group Commander, Wideband Satellite Communications Systems, and Commander, Space Based Infrared System Space Squadron. Collins has also served in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, overseeing the department's Airborne ISR; Space; and Special Programs. He is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He holds master’s degrees from Florida State University, Air University and National Defense University.
09:10
Building Warfighter Advantage: Directed Energy and the Power of Small Business Innovation
Dr. Christopher Vergien
OUSW R&E - Principal Director, Directed Energy
Dr. Christopher Vergien
OUSW R&E - Principal Director, Directed Energy
09:40
Coffee Break
10:00
Forging the Arsenal of Speed: The Critical Role of Small Business in the Hypersonic Supply Chain
Dr. James Weber
Principal Director, Scaled Hypersonic
Dr. James Weber
Principal Director, Scaled Hypersonic
Dr. James W. Weber is the Senior Official for the Scaled Hypersonics Critical Technology Area.
Dr. Weber has more than 30 years of experience in the research and development of hypersonic systems. He has held multiple previous assignments in the United States Air Force including engineering and program management positions with the DOD/NASA National Aero-Space Plane (NASP), AFRL Hypersonic Technology (HyTech), DARPA/AFRL Affordable Rapid Response Missile Demonstrator (ARRMD), and AFRL High Speed Strike Weapon (HSSW) programs. In 2019, Dr. Weber was detailed to OUSD(R&E) as a Special Assistant for Hypersonics, where he led the development and execution of the first DOD Hypersonics Science & Technology Strategy.
Prior to assuming his current position, Dr. Weber served as the Air Force Senior Scientist for Hypersonics, where he was responsible for the department’s hypersonics science and technology enterprise and advised Air Force senior leadership on hypersonic systems development.
Dr. Weber received his B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland at College Park. He is an Excellence in Government Fellow, an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a three-time recipient of the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award.
10:30
Applied Artificial Intelligence – CTA
Chief Digital & Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO)
Chief Digital & Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO)
11:00
Lunch
12:30
Convergence at Scale: Where Critical Technologies Collide to Deliver Mission Capabilities Impact
The Honorable James Caggy
Assistant Secretary of<br> War for Mission Capabilities
The Honorable James Caggy
Assistant Secretary of<br> War for Mission Capabilities
James R. Caggy serves as the Assistant Secretary of War for Mission Capabilities within the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. In this capacity, he is responsible for accelerating the prototyping, experimentation, and fielding of new operational capabilities to warfighters; managing the Mission Engineering & Integration Activity (MEIA); and expanding partnerships with industry.
Previously, Mr. Caggy served as a technical advisor to the Office of the Secretary of War Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO). In this advisory role, he was instrumental in developing innovative ways to counter emerging threats across all domains, and in delivering game-changing asymmetric capabilities that create strategic operational effects. Mr. Caggy began his career as a U.S. Army Infantry officer, having been inspired to serve in the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001. Over more than a decade of service, he held multiple leadership positions, including command of a Rifle Company. His operational experience includes several combat deployments to the Middle East and Afghanistan. His military awards and decorations, earned over years of leading soldiers through complex and demanding environments, include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Beyond his government service, Mr. Caggy was an executive at Amazon Web Services (AWS) from 2013 to 2023. He joined AWS to support the Intelligence Community’s groundbreaking Commercial Cloud Services (C2S) effort, where he built and led multiple engineering teams to deliver TOP SECRET and SECRET classified commercial cloud services for the U.S. Government and its partners. He worked closely with the DoW CIO, SOCOM, NSA/Cyber Command, and others in the Intelligence Community to architect and deploy warfighter-enabling services. From 2019 to 2023, he led the AWS Commercial Space and Special Connectivity product engineering organizations.
Dr. Christopher Vergien
OUSW R&E - Principal Director, Directed Energy
Dr. Christopher Vergien
OUSW R&E - Principal Director, Directed Energy
Dr. James Weber
Principal Director, Scaled Hypersonic
Dr. James Weber
Principal Director, Scaled Hypersonic
Dr. James W. Weber is the Senior Official for the Scaled Hypersonics Critical Technology Area.
Dr. Weber has more than 30 years of experience in the research and development of hypersonic systems. He has held multiple previous assignments in the United States Air Force including engineering and program management positions with the DOD/NASA National Aero-Space Plane (NASP), AFRL Hypersonic Technology (HyTech), DARPA/AFRL Affordable Rapid Response Missile Demonstrator (ARRMD), and AFRL High Speed Strike Weapon (HSSW) programs. In 2019, Dr. Weber was detailed to OUSD(R&E) as a Special Assistant for Hypersonics, where he led the development and execution of the first DOD Hypersonics Science & Technology Strategy.
Prior to assuming his current position, Dr. Weber served as the Air Force Senior Scientist for Hypersonics, where he was responsible for the department’s hypersonics science and technology enterprise and advised Air Force senior leadership on hypersonic systems development.
Dr. Weber received his B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland at College Park. He is an Excellence in Government Fellow, an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a three-time recipient of the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award.
Ms. Regina Sims
Director, DoW SBIR/STTR Program Office
Ms. Regina Sims
Director, DoW SBIR/STTR Program Office
Ms. Regina “Gina” Sims is the Director of the Department of War (DoW) Office for Small Business Innovation for the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. Ms. Sims is the principal point of contact for Congress, the Small Business Administration, Government Accountability Office, and Interagency SBIR/STTR Community Representatives. Ms. Sims oversees and leads the SBIR/STTR Program to unify and convey transparency and trust across the Department’s agencies and components encompassing the program.
Prior to her role in OSW, Ms. Sims was the Department of Air Force (DAF) Specific Topic Branch Chief, a role she held in the AFVentures Division of AFWERX. Ms. Sims was responsible for the facilitation of the DAF’s SBIR/STTR Life Cycle, designed to rapidly and efficiently transition innovative technology to the Airmen and Guardian Warfighter communities. Ms. Sims was also responsible for the planning and execution of an annual portfolio of $400M while managing the day-to-day efforts of the Specific Topic Branch within AFVentures, supporting a variety of mission partners.
Ms. Sims has been a DoW Civilian for over 17 years, serving in several different acquisition program management roles within the DAF. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children and is an avid reader. She has an affinity for mentoring and coaching, dedicating time fostering creative thought and developing the next generation of civilian leaders.
CDAO - Forthcoming
CDAO - Forthcoming
13:00
The Vanguard of Victory: How Small Business and AI are Shaping Defense Capability at Scale
Panelist - Forthcoming
Panelist - Forthcoming
13:30
Designing for Transition: Engineering Decisions that Make-or Break Success
Mr. David McNeill
Systems Engineer, Missile Defense Agency
Mr. David McNeill
Systems Engineer, Missile Defense Agency
14:00
Defining the Next Fight: Advancing Missile Defense Through Integrated Capabilities and Innovation
Mr. Warren O’Donnell
Program Executive<br> Advanced Capability Office
Mr. Warren O’Donnell
Program Executive<br> Advanced Capability Office
Mr. Warren D. O'Donell is the Program Executive for the Advanced Capability Office and the Director of the Missile Defense Agency's Federal Laboratory. As the Program Executive for the Advanced Capability Office, Mr. O'Donell is responsible for rapid delivery of advanced asymmetric capabilities to the warfighter to disrupt the evolving threats. Thrust areas in his portfolio include Kinetic and Hypersonic Defense, Command & Control/Battle Manager, Integrated Non-Kinetic and Electronic Warfare, and Disruptive Technology. As Director of the Federal Laboratory, he is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the laboratory focusing on mature technologies with functionality that is intuitive, performant, resilient, and contributes to overall mission success.
Prior to his current position, Mr. O’Donell served as the Deputy Director for the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama where he facilitated the rapid research, development, prototyping, testing, evaluation, procurement, and fielding of critical enabling technologies and capabilities essential to enhancing national defense. His leadership ensured efficient execution across all phases of materiel development.
Over the course of his professional career, Mr. O’Donell held leadership roles within the U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency, and Joint Staff.
Those roles include:
• Acting Deputy for Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space
• Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management at the Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space
• Deputy for Targets and Countermeasures at the Missile Defense Agency
• Project Manager for Cruise Missile Defense Systems, retired from active duty at the rank of Colonel following 27 years of service
• Product Manager for Mounted Combat Systems
• Ground Combat and Chemical Weapons Portfolio Manager on the Joint Staff, J-8 Capabilities and Assessment Directorate
• Department of the Army Systems Coordinator for the Future Combat Systems and Stryker • Commander, Bravo 1/8 Field Artillery
Mr. O’Donell’s academic achievements include a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington D.C.; a Master of Science in Systems Acquisition Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA; and a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR.
Mr. O’Donell’s awards include the Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Mr. O’Donell is Ranger and Airborne qualified. He is a distinguished member of the Army Acquisition Corps holding a Level III Certification in Program Management.
14:20
Delivering Warfighter Advantage: Acquisition as the Engine of Scaled Innovation
Mr. Tracy Tynan
Director for Acquisition, Missile Defense Agency
Mr. Tracy Tynan
Director for Acquisition, Missile Defense Agency
Mr. Tracy E. Tynan is a member of the Senior Executive Service and serves as the Director for Acquisition and Sustainment for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). He is the senior advisor and leader for all aspects of acquisition, sustainment, contract planning and management for all the programs integrated into the approximately $12B annual Missile Defense System. Mr. Tynan also serves as the MDA Senior Services Manager for $3B services portfolio. He is also responsible for the management of Missile Defense related security cooperation activities and relationships with international partners to include international engagements and Foreign Military Sales.
Prior to his current assignment, he served as the Program Director for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Program Office, Missile Defense Agency. He was responsible for developing, testing, fielding, integrating, and sustaining the nation’s strategic defense capability to protect the U.S. against intermediate and long-range ballistic missile attacks. Mr. Tynan was responsible for capability deployments, warfighter training, and operational readiness of the GMD weapon system across the U.S. and International locations. He led an organization consisting of more than 800 military, government civilians, and contractors with fiscal responsibility over $2.5B annually.
Prior to his assignment in GMD, Mr. Tynan served as the Program Director for the Ground Sensors Directorate, approximately $1.8B annual portfolio. These sensors include the Sea-Based X-Band (SBX) Radar, Army Navy / Transportable Radar Surveillance-2 (AN/TPY-2), Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), Upgraded Early Warning Radars (UEWR), COBRA DANE, and Homeland Defense Radar-Guam (TPY-6).
Previously, Mr. Tynan was the Deputy Program Executive for Ground-Based Weapon Systems. Programs within this portfolio, valued at over $3.4B annually, include Ground-based Midcourse Defense, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, four U.S. and Israeli Cooperative Programs, and several classified programs.
Prior to joining the Missile Defense Agency, Mr. Tynan was the Executive Director, Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Acquisition & Sustainment (A&S), monitoring the progress and completion of actions supporting Urgent Operational Needs identified by the combatant commands, a $1.8B portfolio. He also served as the Executive Secretary to the Warfighter Senior Integration Group.
Mr. Tynan served as Director, Space and Missile Defense programs, OSD A&S, guiding a $9B portfolio and responsible for acquisition shaping, analysis, and oversight of warfighter capability portfolios across the Department in the missile defense; cyber; and space domains. He led assessments of cost, schedule, and performance risks of acquisition programs, and worked directly with the Services, the Intelligence Community, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and the greater OSD staff to address identified gaps in program strategies. He was also the Deputy Overarching Integrated Product Team (OIPT) Lead, Office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer, OSD, serving as a key stakeholder to acquire and procure Defense Business Systems, including five Enterprise Resource System implementations, a $7B portfolio. Mr. Tynan also served as the Director, Acquisition Center of Excellence for the Business Transformation Agency, overseeing 23 DoD acquisition efforts.
As a 26-year colonel in the United States Air Force and Program Director, Contractor Logistics Support, he guided acquisition and sustainment for 385 commercial derivative aircraft of 40 mission design series. He was also Program Manager for two highly classified government efforts, valued at over $2.2B, and was Deputy Director in the Military Satellite Communications Terminals System Program Office. Furthermore, he was Program Manager for the Air Force’s Distributed Common Ground System, acquiring and sustaining 18 Defense Intelligence systems, valued at $510M.
As Program Manager for the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment, the Air Force’s largest experimentation exercise, Colonel Tynan led a blended team overseeing an $80M command and control experiment, with results directly transitioned to 19 U.S. Central Command Air Operation Centers. As an Air Staff Division Chief, he led planning, programming, budgeting and execution activities for multiple airframes, totaling $12.3B. He distinguished himself as a Minuteman ICBM Senior Standardization Evaluation Missile Crew Commander and exceled at the highest level while supporting two U.S. Presidents as a member of the White House Staff.
Mr. Tynan is a graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He earned a Master of Science, Management from Lesley College and a Master of Science, National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University. He is a Level III certified Program Manager and has attended both the Executive Leadership Seminar at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and The Vanguard Senior Executive Leadership Program in Potomac, Maryland.
14:40
Break
15:00
Post Reauthorization: What it Means for You and Your Mission
Ms. Regina Sims
Director, DoW SBIR/STTR Program Office
Ms. Regina Sims
Director, DoW SBIR/STTR Program Office
Ms. Regina “Gina” Sims is the Director of the Department of War (DoW) Office for Small Business Innovation for the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. Ms. Sims is the principal point of contact for Congress, the Small Business Administration, Government Accountability Office, and Interagency SBIR/STTR Community Representatives. Ms. Sims oversees and leads the SBIR/STTR Program to unify and convey transparency and trust across the Department’s agencies and components encompassing the program.
Prior to her role in OSW, Ms. Sims was the Department of Air Force (DAF) Specific Topic Branch Chief, a role she held in the AFVentures Division of AFWERX. Ms. Sims was responsible for the facilitation of the DAF’s SBIR/STTR Life Cycle, designed to rapidly and efficiently transition innovative technology to the Airmen and Guardian Warfighter communities. Ms. Sims was also responsible for the planning and execution of an annual portfolio of $400M while managing the day-to-day efforts of the Specific Topic Branch within AFVentures, supporting a variety of mission partners.
Ms. Sims has been a DoW Civilian for over 17 years, serving in several different acquisition program management roles within the DAF. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children and is an avid reader. She has an affinity for mentoring and coaching, dedicating time fostering creative thought and developing the next generation of civilian leaders.
15:20
Ask Me Anything Panel- SBIR/STTR PMs
Q&A Panel with SBIR/STTR PM
Q&A Panel with SBIR/STTR PM
Ms. Candace Wright
Program Manager, MDA SBIR/STTR
Ms. Candace Wright
Program Manager, MDA SBIR/STTR
Ms. Candace Wright, is the SBIR/STTR Program Lead within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Her office provides government funding opportunities that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization and transition into DoD major weapon systems
Ms. Wright has served over twelve years within MDA as an acquisition professional, managing cost, schedule, and performance, within several major weapon system program offices to include serving as the Acquisition Lead for the Homeland Defense Radar- Guam and for the multi-billion dollar Ground-Based Missile Defense System (GMD) Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).
Ms. Wright also served as the Executive Officer to the MDA Executive Director in which she supported Agency Senior Leaders with day-to-day mission planning and execution of the Missile Defense System in support of the warfighter.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Wright served as the Division Lead for Program Baseline Support where she successfully led in the coordination, synchronization, standards, policies, and processes of the Missile Defense Baselines. In addition, her organization executed program planning, analysis, execution of Director’s Reviews, and MDA Change Management Processes.
Ms. Wright holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Data Analytics and Statistics from Auburn University. She is Scrum Master Certified and DAWIA Certified in Program Management.
Ms. Robin Burke
SOCCOM
Ms. Robin Burke
SOCCOM
Mr. Zeke Toplosky
Army Catalyst
Mr. Zeke Toplosky
Army Catalyst
Mr. Matthew Borsinger – DLA
Mr. Matthew Borsinger – DLA
15:40
Innovation Accelerators: Navigating DoD Programs for Transition & Production Advancement
Mr. Brian Shipley
Navy Catapult/Launch
Mr. Brian Shipley
Navy Catapult/Launch
Mr. Zeke Toplosky
Army Catalyst
Mr. Zeke Toplosky
Army Catalyst
TRATFI/TACTFI - Forthcoming
TRATFI/TACTFI - Forthcoming
16:00
Partnership Pavillion Open-Innovation Alley, Industry Alley, SBIR/STTR Pavilion, Universities, Small Business Enablers
08:00
Welcome & Opening Remarks
08:10
Science and Technology Review
Mr. Michael Holthe
Assistant Secretary of <br>War for Science and Technology
Mr. Michael Holthe
Assistant Secretary of <br>War for Science and Technology
Mr. Holthe was appointed to the Senior Executive Service (SES) in April 2020 and is currently the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Science and Technology (ASW(S&T)). In this role, he directs an organization responsible for the policy, oversight, and advocacy for the Department of War(DoW) research enterprise, including the science and technology (S&T) workforce and laboratory infrastructure, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, University-Affiliated Research Centers, and the balance between promotion and protection of defense research. The Office of the ASW(S&T) oversees a broad portfolio of enterprise programs, including intra- and extramural basic research, Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer, DoW Manufacturing Technology, and the nine Manufacturing Innovation Institutes. The ASW(S&T) also maintains strategy, supervision, and oversight of S&T on behalf of DoW, with specific leadership for emerging areas such as advanced materials, biotechnology, future generation wireless, quantum science, human performance, positioning navigation and timing, and joint hypersonics technology. Mr. Holthe also serves as the DoW senior expert on Nuclear Delivery System modernization.
Prior to this role, Mr. Holthe served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Enabling Technology in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies (ASD(CT)). In this position, he served as a senior expert, consultant, manager, and principal advisor to the ASD(CT) and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) on Nuclear Modernization and the critical technology areas of Advanced Computing and Software, Directed Energy, Human Machine Interface, Hypersonics, Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems, Integrated Sensing and Cyber, Microelectronics, Renewable Energy Generation and Storage, Space Technology, and Trusted Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.
Previously, Mr. Holthe served as the Office of the USD(R&E) (OUSD(R&E)) Director for Emerging Technologies and Platforms and Weapons Technologies. In this role, he served as a top advisor to DoD in future platform and weapon technology areas, including munitions, energetic materials and energetic material systems, human systems, quantum science, biotechnology, future generation wireless, and advanced materials, and both manned and unmanned system technologies across all domains.
Prior to joining OUSD(R&E), Mr. Holthe served as the Director for Lethality Portfolio in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research and Technology). In this role, Mr. Holthe was responsible for strategy, supervision, and oversight of all long-range precision fires and air and missile defense Army S&T efforts, including energetics, propulsion, and warheads for increased range and decisive effects, guidance and seekers for improved precision in GPS denied or degraded environments, both Kinetic and Directed Energy Weapons for affordable air defense, and soldier weapon technologies to enable overmatch by Army forces against any enemy. In 2016, Mr. Holthe was assigned as the Acting Tier I SES Director for Technology and Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research and Technology), during which he was responsible for development, evaluation, and oversight for the Army's 6.1 (Basic Research), 6.2 (Applied Research), 6.3 (Advanced Technology Development), 6.4 (Technology Maturation Initiative), and 6.7 (Manufacturing Technology) Budget Activities of the Army's Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) program.
Mr. Holthe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Science with an emphasis in Sports Medicine from Saint Olaf College and a Master of Science in Exercise Science (Biomechanics) from Iowa State University. Mr. Holthe completed the Advanced Acquisition Program at the Naval Postgraduate School in 2003. He graduated from the Competitive Development Group/Army Acquisition Fellowship Program in 2014. During his fellowship, he served as Assistant Product Manager and Lead Systems Integrator at Program Executive Office Soldier, the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center Liaison Officer in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research and Technology), and a Budget Analyst for Missile Procurement and RDT&E in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller)/Army Budget Office.
Mr. Holthe became a member of the Army Acquisition Corps in 2006 and is a 2018 graduate of the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Executive Institute Leadership for a Democratic Society program. Mr. Holthe has been awarded an Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, two Commander’s Awards for Civilian Service, an Army Superior Unit Award, and the Order of Saint Maurice – Civis Level.
08:40
SMDC - The Research and Development Expertise Gap
Dr. Brian Grantham
Director, Research and Technology, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Technical Center
Dr. Brian Grantham
Director, Research and Technology, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Technical Center
As Director for Research & Technology at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center, Dr. Brian Grantham leads the critical mission of advancing the Army's capabilities in space integration and interdiction, hypersonics, and directed energy technologies. Previously, as a recognized expert in missile technology and inertial navigation systems at the U.S. Army DEVCOM AvMC, he led hypersonics research initiatives, managed collaborations with universities and other research institutions, and was responsible for constructing the implementation plan for the Army’s Hypersonic S&T Strategy.
Dr. Grantham's career reflects a steady rise in leadership and technical responsibility within the U.S. Army. His journey began in industry as technical support to the Army’s Missile Command, where he honed his skills in inertial navigation systems. In 2005, he joined the U.S. Army DEVCOM AvMC, where he distinguished himself as a leading expert in missile technology, serving in various roles from director of basic research activities to Capability Area Lead for Air and Missile Defense Systems, and culminating in his role as Acting Chief Engineer for Missile Technology. In 2024, he joined the SMDC Technical Center as the Chief Scientist and was appointed as the Director of Research and Technology in 2025.
Dr. Grantham possesses in-depth knowledge of: Micromachined Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS); optical and quantum-based gyroscopes; Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems & sensors; guidance & control systems; signal processing system design; integration; prototyping; modeling; and simulation. He is a proven leader with extensive experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists, managing multi-million-dollar budgets and complex research programs, developing and implementing strategic plans for technology development, and transitioning research outcomes into fielded systems.
He holds Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and obtained his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Alabama.
Dr. Grantham’s awards and recognitions include a two-time recipient of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) Research and Development Achievement Award, and the Department of the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal. He has published over 25 papers in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
09:10
The Quantum Frontline: How Small Business Will Secure America’s Information Dominance
Speaker - Forthcoming
Speaker - Forthcoming
09:40
Break
09:50
From Science to System: Closing the Transition GAP across the R&E Enterprise
Mr. Michael Holthe
Assistant Secretary of <br>War for Science and Technology
Mr. Michael Holthe
Assistant Secretary of <br>War for Science and Technology
Mr. Holthe was appointed to the Senior Executive Service (SES) in April 2020 and is currently the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Science and Technology (ASW(S&T)). In this role, he directs an organization responsible for the policy, oversight, and advocacy for the Department of War(DoW) research enterprise, including the science and technology (S&T) workforce and laboratory infrastructure, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, University-Affiliated Research Centers, and the balance between promotion and protection of defense research. The Office of the ASW(S&T) oversees a broad portfolio of enterprise programs, including intra- and extramural basic research, Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer, DoW Manufacturing Technology, and the nine Manufacturing Innovation Institutes. The ASW(S&T) also maintains strategy, supervision, and oversight of S&T on behalf of DoW, with specific leadership for emerging areas such as advanced materials, biotechnology, future generation wireless, quantum science, human performance, positioning navigation and timing, and joint hypersonics technology. Mr. Holthe also serves as the DoW senior expert on Nuclear Delivery System modernization.
Prior to this role, Mr. Holthe served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Enabling Technology in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies (ASD(CT)). In this position, he served as a senior expert, consultant, manager, and principal advisor to the ASD(CT) and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) on Nuclear Modernization and the critical technology areas of Advanced Computing and Software, Directed Energy, Human Machine Interface, Hypersonics, Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems, Integrated Sensing and Cyber, Microelectronics, Renewable Energy Generation and Storage, Space Technology, and Trusted Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.
Previously, Mr. Holthe served as the Office of the USD(R&E) (OUSD(R&E)) Director for Emerging Technologies and Platforms and Weapons Technologies. In this role, he served as a top advisor to DoD in future platform and weapon technology areas, including munitions, energetic materials and energetic material systems, human systems, quantum science, biotechnology, future generation wireless, and advanced materials, and both manned and unmanned system technologies across all domains.
Prior to joining OUSD(R&E), Mr. Holthe served as the Director for Lethality Portfolio in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research and Technology). In this role, Mr. Holthe was responsible for strategy, supervision, and oversight of all long-range precision fires and air and missile defense Army S&T efforts, including energetics, propulsion, and warheads for increased range and decisive effects, guidance and seekers for improved precision in GPS denied or degraded environments, both Kinetic and Directed Energy Weapons for affordable air defense, and soldier weapon technologies to enable overmatch by Army forces against any enemy. In 2016, Mr. Holthe was assigned as the Acting Tier I SES Director for Technology and Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research and Technology), during which he was responsible for development, evaluation, and oversight for the Army's 6.1 (Basic Research), 6.2 (Applied Research), 6.3 (Advanced Technology Development), 6.4 (Technology Maturation Initiative), and 6.7 (Manufacturing Technology) Budget Activities of the Army's Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) program.
Mr. Holthe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Science with an emphasis in Sports Medicine from Saint Olaf College and a Master of Science in Exercise Science (Biomechanics) from Iowa State University. Mr. Holthe completed the Advanced Acquisition Program at the Naval Postgraduate School in 2003. He graduated from the Competitive Development Group/Army Acquisition Fellowship Program in 2014. During his fellowship, he served as Assistant Product Manager and Lead Systems Integrator at Program Executive Office Soldier, the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center Liaison Officer in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research and Technology), and a Budget Analyst for Missile Procurement and RDT&E in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller)/Army Budget Office.
Mr. Holthe became a member of the Army Acquisition Corps in 2006 and is a 2018 graduate of the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Executive Institute Leadership for a Democratic Society program. Mr. Holthe has been awarded an Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, two Commander’s Awards for Civilian Service, an Army Superior Unit Award, and the Order of Saint Maurice – Civis Level.
Dr. Brian Grantham
Director, Research and Technology, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Technical Center
Dr. Brian Grantham
Director, Research and Technology, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Technical Center
As Director for Research & Technology at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center, Dr. Brian Grantham leads the critical mission of advancing the Army's capabilities in space integration and interdiction, hypersonics, and directed energy technologies. Previously, as a recognized expert in missile technology and inertial navigation systems at the U.S. Army DEVCOM AvMC, he led hypersonics research initiatives, managed collaborations with universities and other research institutions, and was responsible for constructing the implementation plan for the Army’s Hypersonic S&T Strategy.
Dr. Grantham's career reflects a steady rise in leadership and technical responsibility within the U.S. Army. His journey began in industry as technical support to the Army’s Missile Command, where he honed his skills in inertial navigation systems. In 2005, he joined the U.S. Army DEVCOM AvMC, where he distinguished himself as a leading expert in missile technology, serving in various roles from director of basic research activities to Capability Area Lead for Air and Missile Defense Systems, and culminating in his role as Acting Chief Engineer for Missile Technology. In 2024, he joined the SMDC Technical Center as the Chief Scientist and was appointed as the Director of Research and Technology in 2025.
Dr. Grantham possesses in-depth knowledge of: Micromachined Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS); optical and quantum-based gyroscopes; Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems & sensors; guidance & control systems; signal processing system design; integration; prototyping; modeling; and simulation. He is a proven leader with extensive experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists, managing multi-million-dollar budgets and complex research programs, developing and implementing strategic plans for technology development, and transitioning research outcomes into fielded systems.
He holds Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and obtained his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Alabama.
Dr. Grantham’s awards and recognitions include a two-time recipient of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) Research and Development Achievement Award, and the Department of the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal. He has published over 25 papers in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
Ms. Regina Sims
Director, DoW SBIR/STTR Program Office
Ms. Regina Sims
Director, DoW SBIR/STTR Program Office
Ms. Regina “Gina” Sims is the Director of the Department of War (DoW) Office for Small Business Innovation for the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. Ms. Sims is the principal point of contact for Congress, the Small Business Administration, Government Accountability Office, and Interagency SBIR/STTR Community Representatives. Ms. Sims oversees and leads the SBIR/STTR Program to unify and convey transparency and trust across the Department’s agencies and components encompassing the program.
Prior to her role in OSW, Ms. Sims was the Department of Air Force (DAF) Specific Topic Branch Chief, a role she held in the AFVentures Division of AFWERX. Ms. Sims was responsible for the facilitation of the DAF’s SBIR/STTR Life Cycle, designed to rapidly and efficiently transition innovative technology to the Airmen and Guardian Warfighter communities. Ms. Sims was also responsible for the planning and execution of an annual portfolio of $400M while managing the day-to-day efforts of the Specific Topic Branch within AFVentures, supporting a variety of mission partners.
Ms. Sims has been a DoW Civilian for over 17 years, serving in several different acquisition program management roles within the DAF. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children and is an avid reader. She has an affinity for mentoring and coaching, dedicating time fostering creative thought and developing the next generation of civilian leaders.
10:20
Army PAE Fires
Speaker - Forthcoming
Speaker - Forthcoming
10:40
Lunch
12:00
Delivering Results Through Integrated Strategic Planning and Cross Sector Partnerships
Mr. Georg Contag
Director of Strategic Planning and Program Assessment, Missile Defense Agency
Mr. Georg Contag
Director of Strategic Planning and Program Assessment, Missile Defense Agency
Mr. Georg Contag serves as the Acting Director of Strategic Planning and Program Assessments within the Directorate for Strategy, Plans, and Resources at the Missile Defense Agency. He directs the annual MDA Strategic Investment Plan, aligning future capability roadmaps with executable budgets to counter adversarial threats. Concurrently, he oversees Independent Program Assessment and Evaluation across Missile Defense System programs. By monitoring cost, schedule, and technical performance, and leading cross-agency collaboration, Mr. Contag mitigates execution risks, optimizes investment policies, and ensures the timely delivery of critical operational capabilities to the Warfighter.
Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Contag was the Space Programs Lead for the Airborne and Space ISR Directorate within the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security. He was the key senior program analyst, providing policy, strategy, and budgetary support and advice to OUSW(I&S) leadership related to space intelligence, counterintelligence and security, and other intelligence-related matters working across the OSW and DoW Components, the Joint Staff, OMB, ODNI, and other Federal agencies and departments. Mr. Contag provided advocacy, guidance, and oversight to the Defense Intelligence and Security Enterprise on space ISR plans, programs, required capabilities, and resources within the Military and the National Intelligence Programs.
Prior to his position with OUSW(I&S), Mr. Contag was the Director, Special Projects (fka. Technology Integration Office) within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering reporting to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Mr. Contag led assigned Department of Defense initiatives and was responsible for initiating new efforts that were responsive to current and emerging threats as well as spearheading efforts required to analyze, develop, and recommend policy on matters pertaining to program development and advanced strategic technology applications and capabilities.
Other past assignments include: Chief of Staff for MDA Director for Acquisition (2024); Systems Engineering Division Chief for NOAA (2018); Wing and Tilt Rotor Staff Specialist for OUSD(AT&L/A/TWS) (2015); In-Service Chief Engineer for Presidential Helicopters Program Office (2013); Source Selection Evaluation Board Assistant Chair for the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter Program (2012); Joint Strike Fighter F-35 Airframe Integrated Product Team Deputy (2011); H-53 Lead Rotary Wing Aircraft Strength and Fatigue Structures Engineer (2010); Adjunct Professor of Aerospace Engineering (2001); and NASA Space Shuttle Environmental Control and Life Support Systems Engineer (2000).
Mr. Contag graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He received a Master in Aerospace Engineering in 2001 from ERAU, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2015, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School, National Defense University, in 2024.
Mr. Contag is a retired Intelligence Officer from the United States Navy Reserve.
12:30
Delivering Capability Through Innovation: The MDA SBIR/STTR Approach
Ms. Candace Wright
Program Manager, MDA SBIR/STTR
Ms. Candace Wright
Program Manager, MDA SBIR/STTR
Ms. Candace Wright, is the SBIR/STTR Program Lead within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Her office provides government funding opportunities that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization and transition into DoD major weapon systems
Ms. Wright has served over twelve years within MDA as an acquisition professional, managing cost, schedule, and performance, within several major weapon system program offices to include serving as the Acquisition Lead for the Homeland Defense Radar- Guam and for the multi-billion dollar Ground-Based Missile Defense System (GMD) Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).
Ms. Wright also served as the Executive Officer to the MDA Executive Director in which she supported Agency Senior Leaders with day-to-day mission planning and execution of the Missile Defense System in support of the warfighter.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Wright served as the Division Lead for Program Baseline Support where she successfully led in the coordination, synchronization, standards, policies, and processes of the Missile Defense Baselines. In addition, her organization executed program planning, analysis, execution of Director’s Reviews, and MDA Change Management Processes.
Ms. Wright holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Data Analytics and Statistics from Auburn University. She is Scrum Master Certified and DAWIA Certified in Program Management.
12:50
Behind the Decision: What Evaluators Look For
Mr. Duncan Stebelton (MDA/DT)
Mr. Duncan Stebelton (MDA/DT)
Mr. Jason Calvert (MDA QS/SMDC)
Mr. Jason Calvert (MDA QS/SMDC)
ARMY - Forthcoming
ARMY - Forthcoming
13:10
Research to Readiness: Accelerating Defense Technology through Academic Collaboration
Dr. Shery Welsh
Director, UTEP Aerospace Center
Dr. Shery Welsh
Director, UTEP Aerospace Center
13:30
Break
13:45
Accelerating the Edge: How A.R.T. Drives Rapid Technology
Mr. John McCanney
DoW SBIR/STTR Transition Lead
Mr. John McCanney
DoW SBIR/STTR Transition Lead
John McCanney is the Director – Transitions of the Department of War (DoW) Office for Small Business Innovation, within the Office of the Undersecretary of War for Research & Engineering (OUSW R&E). He is responsible for accelerating Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) capability adoption across the Department. He ensures DoW components are cultivating capabilities that are aligned with the strategic interests of the Department and are focused on rapidly transitioning critical capabilities at scale to meet Warfighter needs.
Mr. McCanney previously served as AFWERX’s Chief of the Innovation Contracting, where he led contracting outreach and education in innovation activities, such as SBIR/STTR Phase III and the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Strategic Funding Increase / Tactical Funding Increase (STRATFI/TACFI) programs. He worked with the DAF Specific Topic team and mission-partner contracting offices to rapidly execute a $400M annual portfolio, accelerated selection-to-award timing,
and streamlined DAF contracting processes. Previously, he was the AFWERX Open Topic SBIR/STTR Contracting Sprints Lead, championing the execution of over $2B in contracts, also serving on the Air Force COVID-19 Task Force and leading the rapid execution of $300M+ in critical technologies during the pandemic.
Over his 17 years as a DoW civilian, Mr. McCanney has worked aggressively to reform contracting/acquisition policy and procedures, with a focus on applying speed and creativity; continuously improving the ability of the Department to develop and deliver capabilities. He is the recipient of the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal and the Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition Innovation in Contracting award.
14:15
From Lab to Market: Partnerships, IP, and Pathways and Pathways to SBIR/STTR Success
Mr. Marc Jacobs
APEX Accelerators
Mr. Marc Jacobs
APEX Accelerators
Ms. Elizabeth Doughtery
USPTO
Ms. Elizabeth Doughtery
USPTO
National Labs – Forthcoming
National Labs – Forthcoming
14:45
Accelerating Commercial Technology for National Security
Defense Innovation Unit <br>Speaker - Forthcoming
Defense Innovation Unit <br>Speaker - Forthcoming
15:25
The Power of Connection: Industry's Role in Small Business Success
Industry - Forthcoming
Industry - Forthcoming
16:00
“Log-off and Link-Up” Networking Event
The Partnership Pavillion will be open from 9 am to 6 pmInno...
The Partnership Pavillion will be open from 9 am to 6 pm
Innovation Alley, Industry Alley, SBIR/STTR Pavilion, Universities, and Small Business Enablers
08:00
Welcome & Opening Remarks
08:10
Where Innovation Meets Investment: Inside SBA’s Role in Scaling Success
Mr. Josh Carter
Associate Administrator, Small Business Administration, Office of Innovation and Investments
Mr. Josh Carter
Associate Administrator, Small Business Administration, Office of Innovation and Investments
08:40
Hidden in Plain Sight: Foreign Influence, Risk, and the Importance of Due Diligence
Mr. John Sava
Senior Investigator, Investigations and Oversight, Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party
Mr. John Sava
Senior Investigator, Investigations and Oversight, Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party
09:10
Protecting the Defense Industrial Base
Dr. Ruby Crenshaw-Lawrence
Chief, Office of Small Business Programs and Industry Engagements
Dr. Ruby Crenshaw-Lawrence
Chief, Office of Small Business Programs and Industry Engagements
Dr. Ruby Crenshaw-Lawrence currently serves as the Chief of the Office
of Small Business Programs & Industry Engagements at the Defense
Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), the nation’s premier
integrated security services provider entrusted with protecting
America's trusted workforce, trusted workspaces and critical assets. In
this role, she provides leadership in support of DCSA's program
operations to strengthen the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) by
fostering mission readiness capabilities that advance modernization across all operational domains while addressing capability gaps with services and solutions required to advance and sustain America’s strategic edge.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Crenshaw-Lawrence served in various capacities and roles in Department of War (DoW) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). As the principal advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War, Office of Industrial Policy, Acquisition & Sustainment, she provided leadership in the development and execution of programs and policies impacting the DIB. Additionally, she led cross
functional discussions regarding acquisition policies which affect small businesses, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, and other Department wide acquisition Initiatives and policies.
As the Associate Director of Congressional, Legislative and Small Business Policy at the DoW OSBP, Dr. Crenshaw-Lawrence was responsible for developing recommendations for new and modified administrative program policies, goals and objectives for over 600 small business professionals across U.S. military service branches and defense agencies. In this capacity, she led and created policy development for military departments, combatant commands, and defense agencies. To expand, optimize and accelerate delivery of technological capabilities across the Department to foster DIB resiliency. Dr. Crenshaw-Lawrence led the development of enterprise-wide tactical engagement strategies concerning civilian agencies, academic institutions, and congressional stakeholders.
As the Associate Director of Strategic Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy at the DoW OSBP, Dr. Crenshaw-Lawrence led the Department in working in collaboration with Department components, civilian agencies, higher education institutions, and congressional professional staff, to improve the increased utilization of Small Business Programs.
Prior to beginning her federal civilian career, Dr. Crenshaw-Lawrence served as a Senior Program Analyst supporting the Mentor-Protégé Program for the Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs as well as the DoW OSBP.
09:30
Coffee Break
09:50
Navigating CMMC: Requirements, Realities, and Readiness
Additional Panelists are forthcoming.
Additional Panelists are forthcoming.
Mr. Jamie Miller
President/CEO, Mission Multiplier
Mr. Jamie Miller
President/CEO, Mission Multiplier
Mr. Miller is the Founder and CEO of Mission Multiplier, a Huntsville-based, SBA-certified small business and Department of Defense recognized asset at the forefront of cybersecurity and information assurance innovation. Mission Multiplier is formally sponsored by the Missile Defense Agency as part of their Mentor-Protégé program and was awarded the 2019 Small Business of the Year in the Government Contracting / Technology category by the Huntsville – Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Miller is also the founder of two additional companies, both Joint Ventures (JVs): (1) Mission Innovate LLC, a JV with All Points (our MDA-sponsored Mentor); and (2) MARS Suite LLC, which is also under an SBA-JV with All Points. Both JVs are focused on cyber technology development and innovation.
Mr. Miller possesses over 20 years’ experience and is a proven thought leader that has developed innovative approaches and methodologies to solve problems in the areas of: cybersecurity assessment; governance; engineering; operations; critical infrastructure protection; data analytics; and continuous monitoring. Mr. Miller’s innovative cyber solutions – to include CMMC-as-a-Service, MARS Suite™, and SATURN-i – are changing the game for how organizations make more informed and effective risk management decisions at a reduced cost.
Mr. Miller was awarded the “2021 Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship. Mr. Miller was also awarded the prestigious Russell G. Brown Leadership Award in 2021, after having been nominated for the award, given by the Huntsville Chamber, for four years in a row -- from 2017 through 2020. Mr. Miller was a finalist as “Entrepreneur of the Year” as part of the 2018 Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) imerge Innovation Awards, and he also won the “2016 Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Innovate Huntsville organization. He is a regular speaker at information security industry leading conferences (e.g., National Cyber Summit), and has published several industry articles – most recently writing about “Shared Risk” for the Security Magazine. Mr. Miller serves as an Ex Officio Board member (as the former President) of Cyber Huntsville, a Tennessee Valley Initiative. He also serves on the Board of Directors for CyberReach; and he also serves as a Huntsville Committee of 100 member. Mr. Miller is a proud member of the Leadership Huntsville Class of 29, and Focus Class 31. He holds an MBA in consulting from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a BA in International Studies from American University.
10:20
Speaker - Forthcoming
10:40
Lessons from the Trenches: Real-World Insights from SBIR/STTR Performers
Panelist - Forthcoming
Panelist - Forthcoming
11:00
Lunch
12:00
Innovation Exchange
16:00
Partnership Pavillion Open-Innovation Alley, Industry Alley, SBIR/STTR Pavilion, Universities, Small Business Enablers
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Summit Agenda
The agenda features senior leadership perspectives from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), AFWERX, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Army PEO Fires, and the Office of the Undersecretary of War for Research and Engineering. These sessions will highlight rapid-capability delivery approaches while maintaining a long-term strategic vision for future missile defense capabilities and joint warfighting needs.
DETAILED AGENDA COMING SOON!
Speakers
National Labs – Forthcoming
Panelist - Forthcoming
Mr. Jamie Miller
President/CEO, Mission Multiplier
READ BIOMr. Jamie Miller
President/CEO, Mission Multiplier
Mr. Miller is the Founder and CEO of Mission Multiplier, a Huntsville-based, SBA-certified small business and Department of Defense recognized asset at the forefront of cybersecurity and information assurance innovation. Mission Multiplier is formally sponsored by the Missile Defense Agency as part of their Mentor-Protégé program and was awarded the 2019 Small Business of the Year in the Government Contracting / Technology category by the Huntsville – Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Miller is also the founder of two additional companies, both Joint Ventures (JVs): (1) Mission Innovate LLC, a JV with All Points (our MDA-sponsored Mentor); and (2) MARS Suite LLC, which is also under an SBA-JV with All Points. Both JVs are focused on cyber technology development and innovation.
Mr. Miller possesses over 20 years’ experience and is a proven thought leader that has developed innovative approaches and methodologies to solve problems in the areas of: cybersecurity assessment; governance; engineering; operations; critical infrastructure protection; data analytics; and continuous monitoring. Mr. Miller’s innovative cyber solutions – to include CMMC-as-a-Service, MARS Suite™, and SATURN-i – are changing the game for how organizations make more informed and effective risk management decisions at a reduced cost.
Mr. Miller was awarded the “2021 Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship. Mr. Miller was also awarded the prestigious Russell G. Brown Leadership Award in 2021, after having been nominated for the award, given by the Huntsville Chamber, for four years in a row -- from 2017 through 2020. Mr. Miller was a finalist as “Entrepreneur of the Year” as part of the 2018 Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) imerge Innovation Awards, and he also won the “2016 Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Innovate Huntsville organization. He is a regular speaker at information security industry leading conferences (e.g., National Cyber Summit), and has published several industry articles – most recently writing about “Shared Risk” for the Security Magazine. Mr. Miller serves as an Ex Officio Board member (as the former President) of Cyber Huntsville, a Tennessee Valley Initiative. He also serves on the Board of Directors for CyberReach; and he also serves as a Huntsville Committee of 100 member. Mr. Miller is a proud member of the Leadership Huntsville Class of 29, and Focus Class 31. He holds an MBA in consulting from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a BA in International Studies from American University.
Dr. Ruby Crenshaw-Lawrence
Chief, Office of Small Business Programs and Industry Engagements
READ BIODr. Ruby Crenshaw-Lawrence
Chief, Office of Small Business Programs and Industry Engagements
Dr. Ruby Crenshaw-Lawrence currently serves as the Chief of the Office
of Small Business Programs & Industry Engagements at the Defense
Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), the nation’s premier
integrated security services provider entrusted with protecting
America's trusted workforce, trusted workspaces and critical assets. In
this role, she provides leadership in support of DCSA's program
operations to strengthen the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) by
fostering mission readiness capabilities that advance modernization across all operational domains while addressing capability gaps with services and solutions required to advance and sustain America’s strategic edge.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Crenshaw-Lawrence served in various capacities and roles in Department of War (DoW) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). As the principal advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War, Office of Industrial Policy, Acquisition & Sustainment, she provided leadership in the development and execution of programs and policies impacting the DIB. Additionally, she led cross
functional discussions regarding acquisition policies which affect small businesses, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, and other Department wide acquisition Initiatives and policies.
As the Associate Director of Congressional, Legislative and Small Business Policy at the DoW OSBP, Dr. Crenshaw-Lawrence was responsible for developing recommendations for new and modified administrative program policies, goals and objectives for over 600 small business professionals across U.S. military service branches and defense agencies. In this capacity, she led and created policy development for military departments, combatant commands, and defense agencies. To expand, optimize and accelerate delivery of technological capabilities across the Department to foster DIB resiliency. Dr. Crenshaw-Lawrence led the development of enterprise-wide tactical engagement strategies concerning civilian agencies, academic institutions, and congressional stakeholders.
As the Associate Director of Strategic Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy at the DoW OSBP, Dr. Crenshaw-Lawrence led the Department in working in collaboration with Department components, civilian agencies, higher education institutions, and congressional professional staff, to improve the increased utilization of Small Business Programs.
Prior to beginning her federal civilian career, Dr. Crenshaw-Lawrence served as a Senior Program Analyst supporting the Mentor-Protégé Program for the Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs as well as the DoW OSBP.
Mr. John Sava
Senior Investigator, Investigations and Oversight, Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party
Mr. Josh Carter
Associate Administrator, Small Business Administration, Office of Innovation and Investments
Industry - Forthcoming
Defense Innovation Unit <br>Speaker - Forthcoming
Ms. Elizabeth Doughtery
USPTO
Mr. Marc Jacobs
APEX Accelerators
Mr. John McCanney
DoW SBIR/STTR Transition Lead
READ BIOMr. John McCanney
DoW SBIR/STTR Transition Lead
John McCanney is the Director – Transitions of the Department of War (DoW) Office for Small Business Innovation, within the Office of the Undersecretary of War for Research & Engineering (OUSW R&E). He is responsible for accelerating Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) capability adoption across the Department. He ensures DoW components are cultivating capabilities that are aligned with the strategic interests of the Department and are focused on rapidly transitioning critical capabilities at scale to meet Warfighter needs.
Mr. McCanney previously served as AFWERX’s Chief of the Innovation Contracting, where he led contracting outreach and education in innovation activities, such as SBIR/STTR Phase III and the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Strategic Funding Increase / Tactical Funding Increase (STRATFI/TACFI) programs. He worked with the DAF Specific Topic team and mission-partner contracting offices to rapidly execute a $400M annual portfolio, accelerated selection-to-award timing,
and streamlined DAF contracting processes. Previously, he was the AFWERX Open Topic SBIR/STTR Contracting Sprints Lead, championing the execution of over $2B in contracts, also serving on the Air Force COVID-19 Task Force and leading the rapid execution of $300M+ in critical technologies during the pandemic.
Over his 17 years as a DoW civilian, Mr. McCanney has worked aggressively to reform contracting/acquisition policy and procedures, with a focus on applying speed and creativity; continuously improving the ability of the Department to develop and deliver capabilities. He is the recipient of the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal and the Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition Innovation in Contracting award.
Dr. Shery Welsh
Director, UTEP Aerospace Center
ARMY - Forthcoming
Mr. Jason Calvert (MDA QS/SMDC)
Mr. Duncan Stebelton (MDA/DT)
Mr. Georg Contag
Director of Strategic Planning and Program Assessment, Missile Defense Agency
READ BIOMr. Georg Contag
Director of Strategic Planning and Program Assessment, Missile Defense Agency
Mr. Georg Contag serves as the Acting Director of Strategic Planning and Program Assessments within the Directorate for Strategy, Plans, and Resources at the Missile Defense Agency. He directs the annual MDA Strategic Investment Plan, aligning future capability roadmaps with executable budgets to counter adversarial threats. Concurrently, he oversees Independent Program Assessment and Evaluation across Missile Defense System programs. By monitoring cost, schedule, and technical performance, and leading cross-agency collaboration, Mr. Contag mitigates execution risks, optimizes investment policies, and ensures the timely delivery of critical operational capabilities to the Warfighter.
Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Contag was the Space Programs Lead for the Airborne and Space ISR Directorate within the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security. He was the key senior program analyst, providing policy, strategy, and budgetary support and advice to OUSW(I&S) leadership related to space intelligence, counterintelligence and security, and other intelligence-related matters working across the OSW and DoW Components, the Joint Staff, OMB, ODNI, and other Federal agencies and departments. Mr. Contag provided advocacy, guidance, and oversight to the Defense Intelligence and Security Enterprise on space ISR plans, programs, required capabilities, and resources within the Military and the National Intelligence Programs.
Prior to his position with OUSW(I&S), Mr. Contag was the Director, Special Projects (fka. Technology Integration Office) within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering reporting to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Mr. Contag led assigned Department of Defense initiatives and was responsible for initiating new efforts that were responsive to current and emerging threats as well as spearheading efforts required to analyze, develop, and recommend policy on matters pertaining to program development and advanced strategic technology applications and capabilities.
Other past assignments include: Chief of Staff for MDA Director for Acquisition (2024); Systems Engineering Division Chief for NOAA (2018); Wing and Tilt Rotor Staff Specialist for OUSD(AT&L/A/TWS) (2015); In-Service Chief Engineer for Presidential Helicopters Program Office (2013); Source Selection Evaluation Board Assistant Chair for the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter Program (2012); Joint Strike Fighter F-35 Airframe Integrated Product Team Deputy (2011); H-53 Lead Rotary Wing Aircraft Strength and Fatigue Structures Engineer (2010); Adjunct Professor of Aerospace Engineering (2001); and NASA Space Shuttle Environmental Control and Life Support Systems Engineer (2000).
Mr. Contag graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He received a Master in Aerospace Engineering in 2001 from ERAU, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2015, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School, National Defense University, in 2024.
Mr. Contag is a retired Intelligence Officer from the United States Navy Reserve.
Speaker - Forthcoming
Speaker - Forthcoming
Dr. Brian Grantham
Director, Research and Technology, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Technical Center
READ BIODr. Brian Grantham
Director, Research and Technology, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Technical Center
As Director for Research & Technology at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center, Dr. Brian Grantham leads the critical mission of advancing the Army's capabilities in space integration and interdiction, hypersonics, and directed energy technologies. Previously, as a recognized expert in missile technology and inertial navigation systems at the U.S. Army DEVCOM AvMC, he led hypersonics research initiatives, managed collaborations with universities and other research institutions, and was responsible for constructing the implementation plan for the Army’s Hypersonic S&T Strategy.
Dr. Grantham's career reflects a steady rise in leadership and technical responsibility within the U.S. Army. His journey began in industry as technical support to the Army’s Missile Command, where he honed his skills in inertial navigation systems. In 2005, he joined the U.S. Army DEVCOM AvMC, where he distinguished himself as a leading expert in missile technology, serving in various roles from director of basic research activities to Capability Area Lead for Air and Missile Defense Systems, and culminating in his role as Acting Chief Engineer for Missile Technology. In 2024, he joined the SMDC Technical Center as the Chief Scientist and was appointed as the Director of Research and Technology in 2025.
Dr. Grantham possesses in-depth knowledge of: Micromachined Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS); optical and quantum-based gyroscopes; Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems & sensors; guidance & control systems; signal processing system design; integration; prototyping; modeling; and simulation. He is a proven leader with extensive experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists, managing multi-million-dollar budgets and complex research programs, developing and implementing strategic plans for technology development, and transitioning research outcomes into fielded systems.
He holds Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and obtained his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Alabama.
Dr. Grantham’s awards and recognitions include a two-time recipient of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) Research and Development Achievement Award, and the Department of the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal. He has published over 25 papers in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
Mr. Michael Holthe
Assistant Secretary of <br>War for Science and Technology
READ BIOMr. Michael Holthe
Assistant Secretary of <br>War for Science and Technology
Mr. Holthe was appointed to the Senior Executive Service (SES) in April 2020 and is currently the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Science and Technology (ASW(S&T)). In this role, he directs an organization responsible for the policy, oversight, and advocacy for the Department of War(DoW) research enterprise, including the science and technology (S&T) workforce and laboratory infrastructure, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, University-Affiliated Research Centers, and the balance between promotion and protection of defense research. The Office of the ASW(S&T) oversees a broad portfolio of enterprise programs, including intra- and extramural basic research, Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer, DoW Manufacturing Technology, and the nine Manufacturing Innovation Institutes. The ASW(S&T) also maintains strategy, supervision, and oversight of S&T on behalf of DoW, with specific leadership for emerging areas such as advanced materials, biotechnology, future generation wireless, quantum science, human performance, positioning navigation and timing, and joint hypersonics technology. Mr. Holthe also serves as the DoW senior expert on Nuclear Delivery System modernization.
Prior to this role, Mr. Holthe served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Enabling Technology in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies (ASD(CT)). In this position, he served as a senior expert, consultant, manager, and principal advisor to the ASD(CT) and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) on Nuclear Modernization and the critical technology areas of Advanced Computing and Software, Directed Energy, Human Machine Interface, Hypersonics, Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems, Integrated Sensing and Cyber, Microelectronics, Renewable Energy Generation and Storage, Space Technology, and Trusted Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.
Previously, Mr. Holthe served as the Office of the USD(R&E) (OUSD(R&E)) Director for Emerging Technologies and Platforms and Weapons Technologies. In this role, he served as a top advisor to DoD in future platform and weapon technology areas, including munitions, energetic materials and energetic material systems, human systems, quantum science, biotechnology, future generation wireless, and advanced materials, and both manned and unmanned system technologies across all domains.
Prior to joining OUSD(R&E), Mr. Holthe served as the Director for Lethality Portfolio in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research and Technology). In this role, Mr. Holthe was responsible for strategy, supervision, and oversight of all long-range precision fires and air and missile defense Army S&T efforts, including energetics, propulsion, and warheads for increased range and decisive effects, guidance and seekers for improved precision in GPS denied or degraded environments, both Kinetic and Directed Energy Weapons for affordable air defense, and soldier weapon technologies to enable overmatch by Army forces against any enemy. In 2016, Mr. Holthe was assigned as the Acting Tier I SES Director for Technology and Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research and Technology), during which he was responsible for development, evaluation, and oversight for the Army's 6.1 (Basic Research), 6.2 (Applied Research), 6.3 (Advanced Technology Development), 6.4 (Technology Maturation Initiative), and 6.7 (Manufacturing Technology) Budget Activities of the Army's Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) program.
Mr. Holthe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Science with an emphasis in Sports Medicine from Saint Olaf College and a Master of Science in Exercise Science (Biomechanics) from Iowa State University. Mr. Holthe completed the Advanced Acquisition Program at the Naval Postgraduate School in 2003. He graduated from the Competitive Development Group/Army Acquisition Fellowship Program in 2014. During his fellowship, he served as Assistant Product Manager and Lead Systems Integrator at Program Executive Office Soldier, the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center Liaison Officer in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research and Technology), and a Budget Analyst for Missile Procurement and RDT&E in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller)/Army Budget Office.
Mr. Holthe became a member of the Army Acquisition Corps in 2006 and is a 2018 graduate of the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Executive Institute Leadership for a Democratic Society program. Mr. Holthe has been awarded an Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, two Commander’s Awards for Civilian Service, an Army Superior Unit Award, and the Order of Saint Maurice – Civis Level.
TRATFI/TACTFI - Forthcoming
Mr. Brian Shipley
Navy Catapult/Launch
Mr. Matthew Borsinger – DLA
Mr. Zeke Toplosky
Army Catalyst
Ms. Robin Burke
SOCCOM
Ms. Candace Wright
Program Manager, MDA SBIR/STTR
READ BIOMs. Candace Wright
Program Manager, MDA SBIR/STTR
Ms. Candace Wright, is the SBIR/STTR Program Lead within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Her office provides government funding opportunities that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization and transition into DoD major weapon systems
Ms. Wright has served over twelve years within MDA as an acquisition professional, managing cost, schedule, and performance, within several major weapon system program offices to include serving as the Acquisition Lead for the Homeland Defense Radar- Guam and for the multi-billion dollar Ground-Based Missile Defense System (GMD) Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).
Ms. Wright also served as the Executive Officer to the MDA Executive Director in which she supported Agency Senior Leaders with day-to-day mission planning and execution of the Missile Defense System in support of the warfighter.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Wright served as the Division Lead for Program Baseline Support where she successfully led in the coordination, synchronization, standards, policies, and processes of the Missile Defense Baselines. In addition, her organization executed program planning, analysis, execution of Director’s Reviews, and MDA Change Management Processes.
Ms. Wright holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Data Analytics and Statistics from Auburn University. She is Scrum Master Certified and DAWIA Certified in Program Management.
Mr. Tracy Tynan
Director for Acquisition, Missile Defense Agency
READ BIOMr. Tracy Tynan
Director for Acquisition, Missile Defense Agency
Mr. Tracy E. Tynan is a member of the Senior Executive Service and serves as the Director for Acquisition and Sustainment for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). He is the senior advisor and leader for all aspects of acquisition, sustainment, contract planning and management for all the programs integrated into the approximately $12B annual Missile Defense System. Mr. Tynan also serves as the MDA Senior Services Manager for $3B services portfolio. He is also responsible for the management of Missile Defense related security cooperation activities and relationships with international partners to include international engagements and Foreign Military Sales.
Prior to his current assignment, he served as the Program Director for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Program Office, Missile Defense Agency. He was responsible for developing, testing, fielding, integrating, and sustaining the nation’s strategic defense capability to protect the U.S. against intermediate and long-range ballistic missile attacks. Mr. Tynan was responsible for capability deployments, warfighter training, and operational readiness of the GMD weapon system across the U.S. and International locations. He led an organization consisting of more than 800 military, government civilians, and contractors with fiscal responsibility over $2.5B annually.
Prior to his assignment in GMD, Mr. Tynan served as the Program Director for the Ground Sensors Directorate, approximately $1.8B annual portfolio. These sensors include the Sea-Based X-Band (SBX) Radar, Army Navy / Transportable Radar Surveillance-2 (AN/TPY-2), Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), Upgraded Early Warning Radars (UEWR), COBRA DANE, and Homeland Defense Radar-Guam (TPY-6).
Previously, Mr. Tynan was the Deputy Program Executive for Ground-Based Weapon Systems. Programs within this portfolio, valued at over $3.4B annually, include Ground-based Midcourse Defense, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, four U.S. and Israeli Cooperative Programs, and several classified programs.
Prior to joining the Missile Defense Agency, Mr. Tynan was the Executive Director, Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Acquisition & Sustainment (A&S), monitoring the progress and completion of actions supporting Urgent Operational Needs identified by the combatant commands, a $1.8B portfolio. He also served as the Executive Secretary to the Warfighter Senior Integration Group.
Mr. Tynan served as Director, Space and Missile Defense programs, OSD A&S, guiding a $9B portfolio and responsible for acquisition shaping, analysis, and oversight of warfighter capability portfolios across the Department in the missile defense; cyber; and space domains. He led assessments of cost, schedule, and performance risks of acquisition programs, and worked directly with the Services, the Intelligence Community, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and the greater OSD staff to address identified gaps in program strategies. He was also the Deputy Overarching Integrated Product Team (OIPT) Lead, Office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer, OSD, serving as a key stakeholder to acquire and procure Defense Business Systems, including five Enterprise Resource System implementations, a $7B portfolio. Mr. Tynan also served as the Director, Acquisition Center of Excellence for the Business Transformation Agency, overseeing 23 DoD acquisition efforts.
As a 26-year colonel in the United States Air Force and Program Director, Contractor Logistics Support, he guided acquisition and sustainment for 385 commercial derivative aircraft of 40 mission design series. He was also Program Manager for two highly classified government efforts, valued at over $2.2B, and was Deputy Director in the Military Satellite Communications Terminals System Program Office. Furthermore, he was Program Manager for the Air Force’s Distributed Common Ground System, acquiring and sustaining 18 Defense Intelligence systems, valued at $510M.
As Program Manager for the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment, the Air Force’s largest experimentation exercise, Colonel Tynan led a blended team overseeing an $80M command and control experiment, with results directly transitioned to 19 U.S. Central Command Air Operation Centers. As an Air Staff Division Chief, he led planning, programming, budgeting and execution activities for multiple airframes, totaling $12.3B. He distinguished himself as a Minuteman ICBM Senior Standardization Evaluation Missile Crew Commander and exceled at the highest level while supporting two U.S. Presidents as a member of the White House Staff.
Mr. Tynan is a graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He earned a Master of Science, Management from Lesley College and a Master of Science, National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University. He is a Level III certified Program Manager and has attended both the Executive Leadership Seminar at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and The Vanguard Senior Executive Leadership Program in Potomac, Maryland.
Mr. Warren O’Donnell
Program Executive<br> Advanced Capability Office
READ BIOMr. Warren O’Donnell
Program Executive<br> Advanced Capability Office
Mr. Warren D. O'Donell is the Program Executive for the Advanced Capability Office and the Director of the Missile Defense Agency's Federal Laboratory. As the Program Executive for the Advanced Capability Office, Mr. O'Donell is responsible for rapid delivery of advanced asymmetric capabilities to the warfighter to disrupt the evolving threats. Thrust areas in his portfolio include Kinetic and Hypersonic Defense, Command & Control/Battle Manager, Integrated Non-Kinetic and Electronic Warfare, and Disruptive Technology. As Director of the Federal Laboratory, he is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the laboratory focusing on mature technologies with functionality that is intuitive, performant, resilient, and contributes to overall mission success.
Prior to his current position, Mr. O’Donell served as the Deputy Director for the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama where he facilitated the rapid research, development, prototyping, testing, evaluation, procurement, and fielding of critical enabling technologies and capabilities essential to enhancing national defense. His leadership ensured efficient execution across all phases of materiel development.
Over the course of his professional career, Mr. O’Donell held leadership roles within the U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency, and Joint Staff.
Those roles include:
• Acting Deputy for Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space
• Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management at the Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space
• Deputy for Targets and Countermeasures at the Missile Defense Agency
• Project Manager for Cruise Missile Defense Systems, retired from active duty at the rank of Colonel following 27 years of service
• Product Manager for Mounted Combat Systems
• Ground Combat and Chemical Weapons Portfolio Manager on the Joint Staff, J-8 Capabilities and Assessment Directorate
• Department of the Army Systems Coordinator for the Future Combat Systems and Stryker • Commander, Bravo 1/8 Field Artillery
Mr. O’Donell’s academic achievements include a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington D.C.; a Master of Science in Systems Acquisition Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA; and a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR.
Mr. O’Donell’s awards include the Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Mr. O’Donell is Ranger and Airborne qualified. He is a distinguished member of the Army Acquisition Corps holding a Level III Certification in Program Management.
Mr. David McNeill
Systems Engineer, Missile Defense Agency
Panelist - Forthcoming
CDAO - Forthcoming
Ms. Regina Sims
Director, DoW SBIR/STTR Program Office
READ BIOMs. Regina Sims
Director, DoW SBIR/STTR Program Office
Ms. Regina “Gina” Sims is the Director of the Department of War (DoW) Office for Small Business Innovation for the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. Ms. Sims is the principal point of contact for Congress, the Small Business Administration, Government Accountability Office, and Interagency SBIR/STTR Community Representatives. Ms. Sims oversees and leads the SBIR/STTR Program to unify and convey transparency and trust across the Department’s agencies and components encompassing the program.
Prior to her role in OSW, Ms. Sims was the Department of Air Force (DAF) Specific Topic Branch Chief, a role she held in the AFVentures Division of AFWERX. Ms. Sims was responsible for the facilitation of the DAF’s SBIR/STTR Life Cycle, designed to rapidly and efficiently transition innovative technology to the Airmen and Guardian Warfighter communities. Ms. Sims was also responsible for the planning and execution of an annual portfolio of $400M while managing the day-to-day efforts of the Specific Topic Branch within AFVentures, supporting a variety of mission partners.
Ms. Sims has been a DoW Civilian for over 17 years, serving in several different acquisition program management roles within the DAF. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children and is an avid reader. She has an affinity for mentoring and coaching, dedicating time fostering creative thought and developing the next generation of civilian leaders.
Chief Digital & Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO)
Dr. James Weber
Principal Director, Scaled Hypersonic
READ BIODr. James Weber
Principal Director, Scaled Hypersonic
Dr. James W. Weber is the Senior Official for the Scaled Hypersonics Critical Technology Area.
Dr. Weber has more than 30 years of experience in the research and development of hypersonic systems. He has held multiple previous assignments in the United States Air Force including engineering and program management positions with the DOD/NASA National Aero-Space Plane (NASP), AFRL Hypersonic Technology (HyTech), DARPA/AFRL Affordable Rapid Response Missile Demonstrator (ARRMD), and AFRL High Speed Strike Weapon (HSSW) programs. In 2019, Dr. Weber was detailed to OUSD(R&E) as a Special Assistant for Hypersonics, where he led the development and execution of the first DOD Hypersonics Science & Technology Strategy.
Prior to assuming his current position, Dr. Weber served as the Air Force Senior Scientist for Hypersonics, where he was responsible for the department’s hypersonics science and technology enterprise and advised Air Force senior leadership on hypersonic systems development.
Dr. Weber received his B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland at College Park. He is an Excellence in Government Fellow, an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a three-time recipient of the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award.
Dr. Christopher Vergien
OUSW R&E - Principal Director, Directed Energy
The Honorable James Caggy
Assistant Secretary of<br> War for Mission Capabilities
READ BIOThe Honorable James Caggy
Assistant Secretary of<br> War for Mission Capabilities
James R. Caggy serves as the Assistant Secretary of War for Mission Capabilities within the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. In this capacity, he is responsible for accelerating the prototyping, experimentation, and fielding of new operational capabilities to warfighters; managing the Mission Engineering & Integration Activity (MEIA); and expanding partnerships with industry.
Previously, Mr. Caggy served as a technical advisor to the Office of the Secretary of War Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO). In this advisory role, he was instrumental in developing innovative ways to counter emerging threats across all domains, and in delivering game-changing asymmetric capabilities that create strategic operational effects. Mr. Caggy began his career as a U.S. Army Infantry officer, having been inspired to serve in the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001. Over more than a decade of service, he held multiple leadership positions, including command of a Rifle Company. His operational experience includes several combat deployments to the Middle East and Afghanistan. His military awards and decorations, earned over years of leading soldiers through complex and demanding environments, include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Beyond his government service, Mr. Caggy was an executive at Amazon Web Services (AWS) from 2013 to 2023. He joined AWS to support the Intelligence Community’s groundbreaking Commercial Cloud Services (C2S) effort, where he built and led multiple engineering teams to deliver TOP SECRET and SECRET classified commercial cloud services for the U.S. Government and its partners. He worked closely with the DoW CIO, SOCOM, NSA/Cyber Command, and others in the Intelligence Community to architect and deploy warfighter-enabling services. From 2019 to 2023, he led the AWS Commercial Space and Special Connectivity product engineering organizations.
Lieutenant General <br>Heath A. Collins
Director, Missile Defense Agency
READ BIOLieutenant General <br>Heath A. Collins
Director, Missile Defense Agency
Lieutenant General Heath Collins is the Director, Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and advises the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering on Missile Defense programmatic policy, requirements, priorities, systems, resources, and programs. MDA's global mission is to develop, test, field, and sustain integrated, layered missile defense capabilities to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies and friends against missile attacks in all phases of flight. Collins directs the $11 billion global organization with more than 9,000 military, civilian and contract personnel. He exercises management oversight for the Missile Defense System to include program management of missile defense resources which he synchronizes with the services in support of Combatant Command requirements.
Collins previously served as the Program Executive for Ground-based Weapon Systems for the Missile Defense Agency. Programs in Collins' portfolio included Ground-based Midcourse Defense, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, four Joint U.S. and Israeli Programs, and several classified programs collectively valued at over $3.4 billion annually.
Collins entered the Air Force in 1993, receiving his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Clarkson University. His acquisition, space, test, operations, and staff assignments encompass weapons, electronic countermeasures, space, radar, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, nuclear, fighter, bomber, and missile defense systems. He has served in numerous program management and senior leader positions including Air Force Program Executive Officer for Weapons, Air Force Program Executive Officer for Fighters and Bombers, System Program Director for the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (Sentinel) program, Deputy Director for the Infrared Space Systems Directorate and the Remote Sensing Systems Directorate, Deputy Group Commander, Wideband Satellite Communications Systems, and Commander, Space Based Infrared System Space Squadron. Collins has also served in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, overseeing the department's Airborne ISR; Space; and Special Programs. He is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He holds master’s degrees from Florida State University, Air University and National Defense University.
Event Sponsors
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Accelerate Transition from Science to System, reducing the gap between innovation and fielded capability.
Advance Critical Technology Priorities aligned to national defense strategy
Strengthening the Defense Industrial Base by fostering collaboration between government, industry, and small businesses
Improve Acquisition & Commercialization Pathways
SBIR/STTR Realignment and Small Business Integration, highlighting opportunities for small business integration
Industrial Base Protection and Due Diligence guidance to ensure secure and resilient innovation ecosystems
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Innovate Summit Conference 2026
Sponsorship Levels
Title Sponsor
$10,000
- Four (4) complimentary full conference registrations
- Lunch and snacks all three (3) days for each of four (4) attendees
- Eight (8) drink tickets to the Reception
- One (1) 10x10 Exhibitor’s Space
- Sponsor ribbon on badge
- Verbal acknowledgement from the podium by WID-TVC president
- Logo on Title sponsorship slide (projected)
- Title Sponsor signage in the conference area
- Recognition in the conference program
Platinum Sponsors: Multiple Available
$5,000
- Two (2) complimentary full conference registrations
- Lunch and snacks all three (3) days for both (2) attendees
- Four (4) drink tickets to the Reception
- One (1) 10x10 Exhibitor’s Space
- Sponsor ribbon on badge
- Logo on Platinum sponsorship slide (projected)
- Platinum Sponsor signage in the conference area
- Recognition in the conference program
Gold Sponsors: Multiple Available
$3,000
- One (1) complimentary full conference registration
- Lunch and snacks all three (3) days for one (1) attendee
- One (1) 10x10 Exhibitor’s Table
- Two (2) drink tickets at the Reception
- Sponsor ribbon on badge
- Logo on Gold sponsorship slide (projected)
- Gold Sponsor signage in the conference area
- Recognition in the conference program
Silver Sponsors: Multiple Available
$2,500
- One (1) complimentary full conference registration
- Two (2) drink tickets at the Reception
- Sponsor ribbon on badge
- Logo on Silver sponsorship slide (projected)
- Silver Sponsor signage in the conference area
- Recognition in the conference program
Reception Sponsor
$7,500
- Two (2) complimentary full conference registrations
- Lunch and snacks all three (3) days for two (2) attendees
- Twelve (12) drink tickets
- One (1) 10x10 Exhibitor’s Space
- Sponsor ribbon on badge
- Logo on reception sponsorship slide (projected)
- Reception Sponsor signage in reception area
- Recognition in the conference program
Printed Program Sponsor
$5,000
- Two (2) complimentary full conference registrations
- Lunch and snacks all three (3) days for two (2) attendees
- One (1) 10x10 Exhibitor’s Space
- Sponsor ribbon on badge
- Logo on sponsorship slide (projected)
- Printed Program sponsor signage in the conference area
- Recognition in the conference program
Badge Sponsor
$6,000
- Three (3) complimentary full conference registration
- Lunch and snacks all three (3) days for three (3) attendees
- Six (6) drink tickets at the Reception
- One (1) 10x10 Exhibitor’s Space
- Name and Logo on Badges
- Sponsor recognition on badges
- Logo on sponsorship slide (projected)
- Recognition in the conference program
Lunch Sponsors: Three (3) Available
$3,000
- One (1) complimentary full conference registration
- Lunch and snacks all three (3) days for one (1) attendee
- Two (2) drink tickets at the Reception
- One (1) 10x10 Exhibitor’s Space
- Sponsor ribbon on badge
- Logo on sponsorship slide (projected)
- Lunch Sponsor signage in the lunch area
- Recognition in the conference program
Matchmaking Sponsor
$3,000
- One (1) complimentary full conference registration
- Lunch and snacks all three (3) days for one (1) attendee
- Two (2) drink tickets at the Reception
- One (1) 10x10 Exhibitor’s Space
- Sponsor ribbon on badge
- Logo on Matchmaking sponsorship slide (projected)
- Logo on Matchmaking signage
- Recognition in the conference program
Wi-Fi Sponsor
$4,000
- One (1) complimentary full conference registration
- Lunch and snacks all three (3) days for one (1) attendee
- Four (4) drink tickets at the Reception
- One (1) 10x10 Exhibitor’s Space
- Sponsor ribbon on badge
- Logo on Wi-Fi sponsorship slide (projected)
- Sponsor name as password
- Recognition in the conference program
Afternoon Break Sponsor: Two (2) Available
$2,500
- One (1) complimentary full conference registration
- Lunch and snacks all three (3) days for one (1) attendee
- Two (2) drink tickets at the Reception
- Sponsor ribbon on badge
- Logo on break sponsorship slide (projected)
- Signage in the break area
- Recognition in the conference program
Morning Break Sponsor
$2,500
- One (1) complimentary full conference registration
- Lunch and snacks all three (3) days for one (1) attendee
- Two (2) drink tickets at the Reception
- Sponsor ribbon on badge
- Logo on break sponsorship slide (projected)
- Signage in the break area
- Recognition in the conference program
Exhibit Booth: 200 Available
$600 per table
- Two (2) Persons per table with complimentary full conference registration
- Lunch and snacks all three (3) days for two (2) attendees
- Four (4) drink tickets at the Reception
- One (1) 10x10 Exhibitor’s Space, including two (2) chairs and a tablecloth. There will only be room for pull-up banners or other small banners behind the table with two chairs and tablecloth. There will only be room for pull-up banners behind the table or other small banners.
- Exhibit tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.