The people who lead from the front.

Clifford possesses over 25 years of successful IT entrepreneur, executive, and advisor experience. His personal mission as Blackwatch President and CEO is to provide superior service to the government, supporting the mission by bringing structure, transparency, and integrity to the process. Cliff is creating an environment and culture that focuses on fulfilling the organization’s mission, vision, and values.

Prior to Blackwatch, Clifford spent seven years as a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) registered merger and acquisition advisor. Prior to that Clifford founded Webster Data/Agile Defense in 1998. Over the next 12 years, he grew the business into an award-winning company with double-digit annualized growth. Awards include Entrepreneur magazine’s Hot 500, Washington Technology magazine’s Fast 50, Virginia Chamber of Commerce Fantastic 50 and Fairfax County Economic Development Authority’s Celebration of Northern Virginia Business Success. He sold Webster Data Communications in 2010. The platform company became Agile Defense which continued exponential growth to become a 1,000-person enterprise. Clifford has also held cyber and engineering positions with leading IT companies.

Cliff holds a Master in Business Administration from Georgetown University, a Juris Master of Law in National Security, Cybersecurity & Information Privacy, and a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Rochester Institute of Technology. Clifford maintains his technical certifications as a CISSP, CEH, Cisco Instructor and enjoys continued participation in the Alliance of M&A Advisors.

Lee Tanner has over 30 years of professional information technology sales, business development, strategic capture, engagement delivery, and alliance management experience across Civilian, Defense and Intelligence sectors, as well as within the Defense Industrial Base.

Lee’s career has spanned technology and management solutions in cyber-security, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, DEVSECOPS, cloud migration, enterprise architecture and big data analytics.

He has served in leadership roles for such notable companies as General Electric, Sun Microsystems, Mythics, IBM, and Presidio Government Solutions. In those roles he was instrumental in securing multiple high value single-award contracts up to $500 million dollars, and several billion-dollar multi-award IDIQ programs.

Lee is a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and Politics focused on Law and Public Policy.

Mike brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across the federal government and private sector, with extensive expertise in technology, national security, enterprise operations, and mission transformation. As Chief Operating Officer, he leads Blackwatch’s operational execution and works with the leadership team to strengthen delivery, organizational performance, customer relationships, and continued growth across the federal market.

Prior to joining Blackwatch, Mike served as Vice President of National Security at ASRC Federal. Earlier in his career, he held Senior Executive Service leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, including serving as the department’s first Chief Data Officer, Chief Information Officer, Acting Deputy CIO, and Senior Advisor to the CIO and Chief Financial Officer. He began his DHS career in 2005 as an information technology officer.

Earlier in his career, Mike held information technology leadership roles in the private sector, including North American customer service manager at Shire Pharmaceuticals and IT manager at Spirit of America National Bank.

Lauren Johns serves as Chief Financial Officer of Blackwatch International. She leads finance, accounting, and fiscal operations that support the company’s delivery to DoW and FedCiv customers, including cost-reimbursable accounting, DCAA audit readiness, and the capital discipline required to scale a small business with enterprise-grade controls.

As a member of the executive leadership team, Lauren partners with program, contracts, and operations leaders so Blackwatch can grow while remaining fiscally sound and compliant.

Jeffrey is an extremely knowledgeable contracts professional with 20 years of direct contracts and claims management experience, comprising of 10 years working with advanced and complex U.S. government contracts (FAR/DFARSs) and 10 years working on international contracts.

Jeffrey has extensive skills leading and managing domestic and international contracts (both prime and subcontracts) as well as leading contract management teams on large-scale projects. He is experienced in claims management strategies with a proven record of cost savings. Jeffrey has significant experience in the tender and proposal preparation processes and the follow-on negotiations including contracting strategy, performance, risk mitigation, pricing, scope, and schedule requirements.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing from Azusa Pacific University and a Masters of Science in Acquisition (procurement) and Contracts Management from Florida Institute of Technology.

Brian Ark is an accomplished senior executive leader with over 40 years of experience in C4ISR, ISR/EW, and Cyber domains, driving operational innovation, growth, and mission success for U.S. defense and intelligence clients while driving strategy, delivery, and technical modernization across multi-site portfolios. He has a proven record in scaling operations, managing billion-dollar contracts, and delivering advanced innovative engineering, software development, data science and machine learning, and intelligence capabilities to warfighters.

Prior to joining Blackwatch International, Brian was a Booz Allen Director, leading EW/ISR and Operational Mission Support businesses. He was responsible for delivery in Northern California and Las Vegas and led support for the Air Combat Command Federal Laboratory and the 9th Reconnaissance Wing. Prior to that, Brian led the Booz Allen Navy and Marine Corps Military Intelligence business. He has 40 years of professional experience, including 36 years in the C4ISR and Cyber disciplines. Brian was responsible for leading functional teams of Intelligence and Cyber professionals that primarily focused on supporting systems engineering, integration, test and evaluation, software development and maintenance, training, and intelligence analysis services in support of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, USMC, DHS, and Intelligence Community clients. He led efforts to expand the technical capabilities of ISR/EW teams to include engineering, C4ISR, SIGINT/IO, cyber, electronic warfare, intelligence analysis, operational, and training services.

Brian spent eleven years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, where he led and managed numerous collection and intelligence activities in support of national and U.S. Navy-specific tasking within the Pacific Command area of responsibility.

Brian holds a B.A. in Political Science from Towson State University, an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and professional certifications in Systems Engineering and Client/Server Technologies from the University of California San Diego, and in Mandarin Chinese from the Defense Language Institute. He also holds a Program Management Professional (PMP) certification.

John brings more than 19 years of experience in semiconductor reliability, microelectronics process engineering and fabrication, and technical program leadership. Prior to joining Blackwatch, he managed a multi-site Silicon Technology Development Quality and Reliability lab network at Intel Corporation, delivering year-over-year improvements in quality and efficiency while leading industry-leading, first-of-its-kind semiconductor lab infrastructure and automation initiatives. Before Intel, John spent 11 years with the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), a key Blackwatch partner, where he led reliability and test programs as well as process integrations supporting critical defense requirements.

A people-focused leader, John builds high-performing teams grounded in disciplined execution, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. His leadership philosophy emphasizes continuous improvement and learning, ensuring technical excellence and operational success. He was awarded the SMART Scholar Award in 2010, which funded his graduate studies in partnership with DMEA.

John holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Davis, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Pacific.

Julie Lepp serves as Vice President of Federal and Civilian at Blackwatch International.

Kevin has more than 25 years of experience in the federal IT contracting industry and is an expert in corporate communications practices. Kevin manages all stages of the proposal development process from solicitation release through proposal submission. He organizes and maintains a Blackwatch knowledge base and assists with business development and capture activities. He has held similar positions with multiple federal IT contracting firms since 2002.

Kevin has directly supported federal agencies such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), General Services Administration (GSA), Government Accountability Office (GAO), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He is a skilled editor who has written for NASA’s HQ Bulletin, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Aviation Safety Journal and The Dallas Morning News.

Kevin holds a Master’s Degree in Telecommunications from George Washington University.

Jay is a seasoned IT professional with 30 years of experience providing highly technical strategic, consulting, engineering, and operations services to Federal customers. This experience includes more than 20 years of demonstrable success planning, socializing, architecting, and implementing strategic technology roadmaps for clients; and fostering improved service provision and technical capabilities through innovation, modernization, automation, and exceptional delivery and customer service.

He specializes in IT planning and implementation to improve operational support capabilities, improve security posture, adhere to Federal Government guidance and requirements, and realize long-term cost savings / ROI through technology innovation and infusion. Prior to joining Blackwatch, Jay held technical and management positions at Steampunk, Tygart Technology, Preferred Systems Solutions, Serco North America, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Oracle.

Jay holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the College of William and Mary and an ITIL Foundation Professional Certification.

David Moorhead serves as Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at Blackwatch International, where he leads the development of innovative technology strategies and enterprise solutions that help customers modernize, transform, and achieve mission success. With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience, David specializes in enterprise architecture, digital transformation, AI/ML integration, and the delivery of scalable, mission-focused solutions that drive operational excellence and customer value.

Brandi Halleckson serves as Vice President of Corporate Development at Blackwatch International, where she leads corporate growth initiatives, strategic partnerships, and market expansion efforts that support the company’s long-term vision. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience, she specializes in growth strategy, business development, capture, and digital transformation, helping position Blackwatch for sustained success across the federal marketplace.

Kevin Meadows supports Blackwatch International’s business development organization by leading strategic growth initiatives, capture efforts, and customer engagement across the federal marketplace. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience, he is committed to building strong customer partnerships, identifying new opportunities, and advancing the company’s long-term growth strategy.

Vanady has more than 17 years of experience providing full-cycle accounting services for government contractors, ensuring meticulous adherence to GAAP, DCAA and FAR regulations. A highly motivated and results-oriented government accounting professional, her expertise spans project accounting, financial reporting and contract management. She is adept at navigating complex financial processes and collaborating effectively with diverse teams and has a proven track record of delivering accurate and timely financial data.

Vanady supported a wide variety of organizations before joining Blackwatch, including global firms such as GDIT and Jones Lang LaSalle. She was a key member of Aprio, one of the fastest growing accounting firms in the country, where she actively championed diversity and inclusion initiatives. As a co-chair of their DEIB council and regional liaison for Onyx, the African-American employee resource group, she fostered a culture of understanding, belonging and respect, creating a more welcoming environment for all.

Vanady holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Strayer University.

Elizabeth possesses more than 20 years of business operations and human resources experience. Elizabeth provides command and control for all human resources, staffing, recruiting, employee development, benefits management, and supports the development and modification of corporate policies, procedures, and financial controls.

Elizabeth is a proven, innovative operations manager with a collaborative approach to solving human resource challenges in the Federal, state government, retail, and hospitality industries. Prior to joining Blackwatch, Elizabeth served as a Human Resources Specialist with the State of Florida Courts System, Membership Director with the Central Florida YMCA, and various sales and operations leadership roles across the retail and hospitality industry. Additionally, she was an operations manager at Tygart Technology.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Organizational Leadership and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Valencia College. She also brings added value through multiple certifications in Business Administration and Human Resources, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence.

Zheng has more than 20 years engineering, cleanroom, semiconductor, procurement, and project management experience. She leads a highly skilled team of semiconductor equipment engineers, technicians, and procurement personnel focused on operational excellence and exceeding customer expectations.

Prior to joining Blackwatch International, Zheng was a project manager at General Dynamics Mission Systems where she successful executed projects totaling more than $113 million, including a semiconductor equipment sustainment and foundry expansion contract. She has also held various engineering, manufacturing, and operations support positions at Siemens and Agilent Technologies.

Zheng holds an associate degree in Computer Information Science from Empire College and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration.