Retired US military officials are advising this growing defense tech firm 

There’s no question that the cybersecurity sector thrives in the DC region, and this past month proved its prominence. 

The DMV saw several board appointments and a strategic partnership in this sub-industry in September, as well as other tech-related leadership moves in federal contracting and the private sector. 

Keep reading to get the details on those and more Power Moves in the region. But first, check out our monthly look at which companies are hiring for tech jobs in the area.

Raft assembles advisors to help navigate defense contracts 

The McLean-headquartered defense technology company tapped several retired US Army and Air Force officials to form an advisory board.  

The new group will assist in building out partnerships and different services offered by Raft, according to a press release. Raft specializes in artificial intelligence and data solutions for the military and other government agencies. 

"With the establishment of our new Federal Advisory Board, we are bringing together defense's premier thought leaders and the nation's esteemed military leaders who will play a pivotal role in guiding our efforts,” said CEO and founder Shubhi Mishra. “Together, we will continue to deliver innovative data capabilities for mission-critical operations."

Advisory firm forges a new partnership

Cybersecurity and risk management advisory company MorganFranklin Consulting is officially teaming up with the simulation company ThreatGEN. 

ThreatGEN’s founder Clint Bodungen will join McLean-based MorganFranklin Consulting as part of the deal, per a press release. Bodungen will still maintain his role as head of product innovation at ThreatGEN. 

This agreement allows for the cybersecurity training platforms developed by Houston-based ThreatGEN to be included in MorganFranklin Consulting’s services, per a press release.   

“By integrating ThreatGEN’s simulation platforms into our cybersecurity services, we are offering clients an unprecedented opportunity to assess their cyber defenses and engage in real-world, hands-on exercises to prepare their teams for current and future threats,” said Keith Hollender, MorganFranklin Consulting’s partner, managing director and global cybersecurity services practice lead.

CACI lands another acquisition

After publicly-traded IT company CACI purchased the Fairfax firm Azure Summit Technology for $1.275 billion in mid-September, it announced yet another acquisition. 

The prominent government contractor acquired the firm Applied Insight, which is also based in Reston. Applied Insight has a history of contracts with the Department of Defense and a strong national security focus, per a press release. The Azure Summit Technology similarly aimed to build out CACI’s national security capabilities. 

The transaction’s financial details have not been disclosed. 

“The combined business of CACI and Applied Insight will enhance enterprise-wide cloud, cyber, and user productivity for secure networks in the IC, thus accelerating decision-making and optimizing mission outcomes for analysts and warfighters around the globe,” said CACI president and CEO John Mengucci. 

More leadership moves 

• Herndon cybersecurity company Expel appointed cyber expert Kevin Mandia to its board of directors. Mandia is the former CEO of current Google subsidiary Mandiant, as well as a cofounder and strategic partner of Ballistic Ventures. 
• The CEO of Arlington’s 2U, an online education company, is stepping down. Paul Lalljie originally assumed the role in late 2023. The company’s CFO, Matthew Norden, will step in as interim CEO. 
• Sterling-based federal IT company REI Systems hired a new CFO. Mark Olson previously worked in a senior position at Peraton, another northern Virginia IT firm. 
• Reston’s business management consulting firm ASRC Federal tapped Dan Cuviello as its new chief growth officer. He recently worked as senior vice president of corporate business development at CACI, which in recent months landed two acquisitions. 
• Excella’s Mahreen Rashid, an executive vice president at the tech and innovation firm, was appointed to the board of directors of Homestretch. The nonprofit aims to help families experiencing homelessness in Virginia through different programs.  
• A California consulting company acquired the Georgetown software development firm EastBanc Technologies, the Washington Business Journal reported. 
• IT government contractor Tyto Athene hired a new CFO. Rick Johnson is the fourth hire in the C-suite in six months. He joins after two acquisitions the company made this year. 
• Core4ce, a data and cyber federal contractor headquartered in Arlington, announced a new member of its board of advisors. Neill Tipton is a former special advisor to the under secretary of defense for intelligence and security in the Department of Defense. 
• DC’s Granicus appointed Don Remy to its board. He’s currently the founder and CEO of his own consulting firm, the Remy Group, and previously held roles at the Department of Justice and Fannie Mae.
• Philly law firm Weber Gallagher expanded to the DC region and opened an office in Bethesda, the Washington Business Journal reported.