Institute for Space and Defense Electronics Executive and Leadership Team

Brett Sweet, the Vice Chancellor, Finance & Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, directs the fiscal strategy and digital infrastructure of the university. Managing the allocation of research grants and operational budgets, Sweet ensures the financial health of the facility. This role involves overseeing the integration of advanced information technology systems to support the data-intensive requirements of the electrical engineering department. By optimizing financial processes, the Vice Chancellor, Finance & Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer enables the expansion of research capabilities. Brett Sweet also collaborates with the Board to secure funding for new projects and infrastructure upgrades. Through rigorous financial analysis and technological oversight, Sweet maintains the competitive edge of the institution. This position requires a balance of fiscal responsibility and technical innovation to support the complex needs of a global research leader, ensuring that all resources are utilized effectively to advance the mission of the university.

Luis Munoz, the President at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, provides the overarching strategic vision for the research facility. Focusing on the expansion of international research partnerships, Munoz drives the global reach of the university's electrical engineering initiatives. This role involves representing the institution to government agencies and private sector partners to secure collaborative opportunities. By setting the tone for academic excellence, the President ensures that the facility remains at the forefront of space and defense technology. Luis Munoz also oversees the alignment of research goals with national security priorities. Through visionary leadership, Munoz guides the institution toward new frontiers in scientific discovery. This position requires constant engagement with high-level stakeholders to maintain the reputation and influence of the university. By fostering a culture of innovation and rigorous inquiry, the President ensures that the facility continues to produce groundbreaking research that addresses the most pressing challenges in the field of space and defense electronics.

Ria Mirchandani, the President at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, directs the internal research governance and academic policy development. Focusing on the integration of interdisciplinary studies, Mirchandani ensures that the facility leverages the full breadth of the university's expertise. This role involves managing the relationships between the research facility and the broader Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. By promoting collaborative research environments, the President facilitates the development of next-generation defense technologies. Ria Mirchandani also oversees the implementation of ethical standards and compliance protocols for all research projects. Through strategic oversight of academic programs, Mirchandani drives the quality and impact of the facility's output. This position requires a deep commitment to academic integrity and a focus on long-term research sustainability. By aligning the facility's objectives with the evolving needs of the defense sector, the President ensures that the institution remains a vital contributor to national security and scientific advancement.

Kennedy Xian, the President at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, manages the operational scaling and infrastructure development of the research facility. Focusing on the modernization of laboratory equipment and testing environments, Xian ensures that the facility maintains its status as the largest academic research center in the world. This role involves overseeing large-scale capital projects and facility upgrades to support complex defense electronics testing. By optimizing the physical and digital infrastructure, the President enables researchers to conduct high-fidelity simulations and experiments. Kennedy Xian also coordinates with industry partners to ensure that the facility's capabilities meet the current demands of the space and defense sectors. Through strategic investment in technology and space, Xian drives the operational efficiency of the institution. This position requires a focus on long-term infrastructure planning and a commitment to providing the best possible environment for scientific research, ensuring that the facility remains a leader in the global research community.

Marion Hagstrom, the President & Meche Association Graduate at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, leads the alumni engagement and professional networking initiatives for the research facility. Focusing on the connection between current research and industry applications, Hagstrom leverages the Meche Association network to foster career opportunities for graduates. This role involves organizing industry-academic forums that bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical defense solutions. By maintaining strong ties with the alumni community, the President & Meche Association Graduate ensures that the institution benefits from the expertise and support of its former members. Marion Hagstrom also oversees the development of mentorship programs that connect students with industry leaders. Through strategic networking and community building, Hagstrom enhances the professional reputation of the university. This position requires a focus on long-term relationship management and a commitment to the success of the institution's graduates, ensuring that the facility remains a central hub for professional development in the field.

Carlota Lopez, the Gillette HPAC President at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, directs the specialized research initiatives focused on high-performance computing and advanced electronics. Focusing on the application of high-performance computing to defense challenges, Lopez manages the research agenda for the HPAC division. This role involves coordinating with technical teams to develop innovative solutions for complex electronic systems. By driving the research strategy, the Gillette HPAC President ensures that the facility remains at the cutting edge of computational science. Carlota Lopez also oversees the collaboration between the HPAC division and external defense contractors to test and validate new technologies. Through rigorous research and development, Lopez contributes to the overall mission of the university. This position requires a deep understanding of high-performance computing architectures and a focus on delivering actionable results for the defense sector, ensuring that the facility continues to provide critical insights and technological advancements for national security.

Evan Leadem, the Division of Operations & The Campus Network Chief of Staff at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, manages complex infrastructure requirements across the research facility. Overseeing the integration of advanced electrical engineering systems, Leadem coordinates technical resources to support large-scale academic projects. This role demands constant collaboration with engineering faculty to ensure the facility maintains its status as the largest academic research center of its kind. By streamlining operational workflows, Leadem optimizes the deployment of specialized hardware and software assets. The Division of Operations & The Campus Network Chief of Staff also monitors network stability to facilitate high-speed data processing for defense-related simulations. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, Evan Leadem guarantees that all research initiatives align with the broader mission of the university. This position requires precise management of technical personnel and physical resources to sustain the high-performance environment necessary for cutting-edge space and defense research.

Benjamin Cauthen, the Chief of Staff - Football at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, directs the administrative and logistical framework supporting the athletic department. Managing the daily operations of the football program, Cauthen ensures that all team activities adhere to university policies and regulatory standards. This leadership role involves coordinating travel, scheduling, and resource allocation to maximize team efficiency. By aligning athletic goals with the broader institutional mission, the Chief of Staff - Football fosters a culture of excellence and discipline. Benjamin Cauthen also facilitates communication between coaching staff and university administration to resolve operational challenges. Through strategic planning and meticulous attention to detail, Cauthen supports the development of student-athletes while maintaining the integrity of the program. This position requires constant engagement with various stakeholders to ensure the football department operates at peak performance levels, contributing to the overall reputation and success of the university within the competitive collegiate landscape.

Dawn Turton, the Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, manages the strategic priorities and executive communications for the university leadership. Overseeing the flow of information between the Chancellor and various academic departments, Turton ensures that institutional goals remain the primary focus of all administrative activities. This role involves coordinating high-level meetings and facilitating decision-making processes that impact the entire research facility. By maintaining alignment across the university, the Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor supports the long-term vision of the institution. Dawn Turton also monitors external relations and internal policy development to protect the interests of the university. Through effective management of the Chancellor's office, Turton drives organizational efficiency and promotes a collaborative environment. This position requires exceptional organizational skills and a deep understanding of the complex academic and research landscape to navigate the challenges inherent in leading a world-class research university.

Annabelle Yost, the Chief People Officer at Institute for Space and Defense Electronics, leads the human capital strategy and talent management initiatives for the research facility. Overseeing recruitment, professional development, and employee relations, Yost ensures that the university attracts and retains top-tier researchers and staff. This role involves fostering an inclusive and high-performance culture that supports the demanding work of the electrical engineering and computer science departments. By implementing comprehensive training programs, the Chief People Officer enhances the capabilities of the workforce. Annabelle Yost also manages organizational design to ensure that teams are structured for maximum efficiency and innovation. Through strategic talent acquisition and retention efforts, Yost supports the long-term growth of the institution. This position requires a deep commitment to employee engagement and a thorough understanding of the unique needs of academic and research professionals, ensuring that the human resources function directly contributes to the overall success of the university.