Our Team

We are a team of seasoned national security executives, government affairs experts, industry leaders, and technologists committed to building a thriving defense technology and manufacturing economy in North Carolina.

Julia Allen Ph.D.

Julia is the founder of Deep Tech Defense LLC. She was previously VP and CTO of Saab, Inc. Julia served as an officer in the U.S. Army National Guard. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland and is a recognized expert on artificial intelligence, autonomy, and research & development.

Board of Directors

Senator Richard Burr

Senator Burr represented North Carolina in the U.S. Congress for nearly three decades in the House and Senate. He also served as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Senator Burr is currently a Principal Policy Advisor at DLA Piper.

Board of Directors

Board of Advisors

Ryan Combs

Ryan is the Executive Director of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership and member of the Board of Trustees for North Carolina Central University.

Gia is the founder of GDH Comms, LLC, where she helps early-stage defense and deep tech companies tell their story. She was previously Director of Government Communications at Maxar Technologies and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy.

Board of Advisors

Gia DeHart

Vice Chair

Bill Fields

Bill is a venture partner with Blu Ventures and the North Carolina market leader for venture debt at Bridge Bank. Bill previously served in the U.S. Navy and in the White House National Economic Council.

Board of Directors

Tim Greeff

Tim is Founder and President of the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). He previously led government affairs and advocacy campaigns for the sustainable energy industry.

Josh is the Founder of Holly Strategies, a government relations firm serving industry-leading national security and technology clients. He was previously a Principal with the Podesta Group and a communications director in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Board of Advisors

Josh Holly

Jarrett is an adjunct with the Institute for Defense Analyses. He worked in government relations and built new business units at Amazon focused on AI, quantum, healthcare, and supply chain. He also served as Chief of Staff for the Section 809 Panel at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Chair

Jarrett Lane

David is the Founder and Principal of Powers Strategies and member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. David is a trusted government relations executive with over 25 years of experience in North Carolina politics.

Board of Advisors

David Powers

Lt. Gen. Shanahan is a recognized expert and executive leader in technology, national security, and U.S. defense strategy. He served as the founding director of the Joint AI Center in the Department of Defense and Director of Project Maven. Jack retired from the U.S. Air Force after a distingued 36-year career.

Board of Directors

Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan

VADM White is a recognized expert and executive leader in cyber, supply chain security, and critical infrastructure protection. He commanded U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and served as Director of Intelligence for US Indo-Pacific Command. He retired from the U.S. Navy after a distinguished 30+ year career.

Board of Directors