DC daily roundup: Meet NavalX’s new leader; 3D printing to a better workplace; Regina George works in tech

US Navy hires new innovation director

Michigan native Capt. Joel Uzarski was appointed to lead NavalX back in April. The military innovation division focuses on developing and launching new technology within this armed services branch.

Also, NextNav got a new COO, Hydrosat hired its first marketing director after nabbing millions in new funding, Quorum selected a new CFO and more DMV employment news.

➡️ Learn more about the latest Power Moves in my latest article

They’re like Legos, but for the office

Anthony Culp is reimagining workplace dynamics to foster closer connections within teams. He created Plexo, a play system that can connect and adapt to Expo dry-erase markers for team-building exercises, in pursuit of this goal.

Earlier this year, Plexo secured its first significant funding during the Maryland Institute College of Art’s 2024 UP/Start Venture Competition. Culp plans to use the $10,000 to move production from his home to a larger production space.

➡️ Learn more about Plexo in Alanah’s latest article.

News Incubator: What else to know today

• The head of Amazon Web Services, whose East Coast base and many data centers underscore its major presence in Northern Virginia, is stepping down. [Washington Business Journal]

• ICYMI: The Maryland legislature passed two internet safety bills restricting tech platforms’ ability to collect and use consumers’ data. [The Verge]

• A local clique from Germantown inspired the movie “Mean Girls.” One of its members is now an HR director at a software company in Rockville. Do you know her? [Washingtonian]

• A bipartisan group of senators is set to release an AI “road map” this week. Research and development is expected to cost billions. [Washington Post]

🗓️ On the Calendar

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