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Our Leadership

The Archon Institute is guided by experienced leaders with deep roots in the defense intelligence and technology communities.

Executive Team

C-Suite & Senior Executives

Direct reports to the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the Institute's core functions.

David Chen
David Chen
Chief Executive Officer

Founding CEO since 2003. Former Deputy Director of Technology at a major U.S. intelligence agency with expertise in classified collection systems.

M.S. Electrical Engineering, MIT

Catherine Park
Catherine Park
Chief Operating Officer

Oversees day-to-day operations across all five facilities. Background in classified facility management and operational compliance.

M.P.A., Princeton University

Dr. Elaine Morrow
Dr. Elaine Morrow
Chief Strategy Officer

Leads strategic partnerships and classified program development. Former senior analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency specializing in East Asian defense posture.

Ph.D. International Security, Georgetown

Dr. Richard Ames
Dr. Richard Ames
Chief Technology Officer

Directs all research and development activities. Former DARPA program manager overseeing advanced AI research initiatives foundational to modern military applications.

Ph.D. Computer Science, Stanford

James Whitfield
James Whitfield
Chief Financial Officer

Manages all financial operations and government contract compliance. Former financial auditor at the Defense Contract Audit Agency.

M.B.A., Wharton School

Thomas Brennan
Thomas Brennan
General Counsel

Oversees legal affairs including government contracts, intellectual property, export controls, and security classification matters.

J.D., Georgetown University Law Center

Lisa Yun
Lisa Yun
Director of Information Security

Leads all cybersecurity operations and communications security. Former FBI Cyber Division special agent with expertise in social engineering defense.

M.S. Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon

Nora Tanaka
Nora Tanaka
Director of Communications

Leads the Institute's public engagement and media relations strategy. Former RAND Corporation public affairs director with expertise in defense sector communications.

M.P.P., Harvard Kennedy School

Senior Directors

Division Leadership

Leaders of the Institute's specialized divisions and operational directorates.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Frank Salazar
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Frank Salazar
Director of Government Relations

Manages congressional relationships and defense acquisition community engagement. 22-year U.S. Army veteran and former congressional liaison.

M.A. Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College

Marcus Webb
Marcus Webb
Director of Partnerships

Primary external contact for prospective partners and strategic alliances. Background in defense business development and relationship management.

M.B.A., University of Maryland

Dr. Nadia Osei
Dr. Nadia Osei
Director of AI Research

Leads the Institute's AI research division and a team of approximately 80 researchers at the Reston laboratory. Expert in adversarial machine learning.

Ph.D. Machine Learning, Carnegie Mellon

Victor Huang
Victor Huang
Director of SIGINT Programs

Manages the Laurel, MD SIGINT facility and approximately 120 researchers. Former NSA signals intelligence directorate technologist.

M.S. Electrical Engineering, Georgia Tech

Rachel Cormier
Rachel Cormier
Director of Human Resources

Oversees talent acquisition, personnel security processing, and workforce development across all five Institute facilities.

M.S. Human Resource Management, Cornell

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Discover Our Capabilities

Learn about the advanced technology programs and research areas that define the Archon Institute.

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