Leadership
Frontier Defense Technology is guided by executives with deep experience in defense acquisition, systems engineering, and military operations, supported by a board with decades of defense and intelligence experience.
Executive Leadership
Karen J. Whitfield
President & Chief Executive OfficerKaren Whitfield joined the company in 2019 after 22 years at a major aerospace and defense firm, where she served as Vice President of Mission Systems. She led the C2 modernization initiative that positioned the company for the GRIDWATCH program of record. Under her leadership, revenue has more than doubled.
B.S. Electrical Engineering, Virginia Tech. M.S. Systems Engineering, Johns Hopkins. Board member, a national defense industry association.
Dr. Michael S. Brennan
Chief Technology OfficerDr. Brennan previously managed programs in tactical AI and autonomous systems at a federal defense research agency. He architected the GRIDWATCH AI subsystem and leads a substantial annual R&D portfolio spanning edge computing, sensor fusion, and human-machine teaming.
Ph.D. Computer Science, MIT. B.S. Mathematics.
David M. Kowalski
Chief Financial OfficerPreviously CFO at a leading defense and technology services firm. Led the company's financial transformation during a period of significant growth. Oversees capital allocation and M&A strategy.
MBA, Wharton School. B.A. Economics, Georgetown University.
Lisa M. Garrett
General Counsel & Corporate SecretaryManages legal, compliance, and ethics functions including export compliance, foreign ownership mitigation, and government contract law. Previously Associate General Counsel at a major defense technology enterprise.
J.D., Georgetown University Law Center.
James R. Harlow
Senior Vice President, C2 & Mission SystemsLeads the largest operating division, encompassing the GRIDWATCH program and all command and control products. Two decades of experience in military communications and signal operations before transitioning to defense industry.
M.S. Information Technology. Graduate-level defense strategy education.
Catherine D. Park
Senior Vice President, Autonomous & ISR SystemsOversees autonomous platforms and ISR programs. Previously led autonomous programs at a major aerospace firm. Holds five patents in multi-sensor fusion.
Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan.
Board of Directors
The board brings decades of operational experience across the defense and intelligence sectors. Their strategic guidance ensures our programs align with the evolving needs of the warfighter.
Thomas Morrison
Board Member - Ground Force ModernizationMore than three decades of experience in ground force operations, armored warfare, and expeditionary planning. Advisor on ground force modernization, C2 transformation, and maneuver warfare doctrine.
Patricia Sung
Board Member - Intelligence & CyberMore than three decades of experience in naval intelligence, signals operations, and cyber strategy. Advisor on SIGINT programs, cyber strategy, and intelligence community partnerships.
Robert A. Cassidy
Board Member - Air & Space AcquisitionMore than three decades of experience in defense acquisition and program management. Advisor on autonomous systems, ISR platforms, and acquisition reform.
Susan K. Devereaux
Board Member - Cyber & Electronic WarfareThree decades of experience in cyber operations and electronic warfare. Led transitions to multi-domain EW operations. Advisor on electromagnetic spectrum operations and cyber defense.
Frank J. Callahan
Board Member - Maritime SystemsNearly three decades of experience in information warfare systems and fleet C2 modernization. Advisor on maritime domain awareness and tactical communications.
Edward M. Voss
Board Member - Independent DirectorFormer senior defense acquisition official. Previously CEO of a mid-tier defense technology firm. Brings senior government acquisition perspective and defense industry operating experience.