Riverside Research Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Riverside Research has 7 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, technological innovation, operational management, and corporate governance.

Committed to advancing scientific discovery for the public interest, Riverside Research delivers mission-critical research and development solutions that address complex national security and technical challenges through rigorous, independent analysis.

Leadership Roles at Riverside Research

  • Chief Financial Officer - Catherine Powers
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer, Portfolio Companies - Brad Spooner
  • Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary & Treasurer - Kathleen Powers
  • Chief Financial Officer, Residence - Kia Canzonieri
  • Chief Operating Officer & Interim Director, Transformation - Todd Foster
  • Chief Technology Officer - Kimberly Sablon
  • Managing Director, Chief of Staff - Graham Hearns
  • Catherine Powers - Chief Financial Officer

    Catherine Powers, the Chief Financial Officer at Riverside Research, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial sustainability of the organization. Powers directs all budgetary planning, financial reporting, and resource allocation processes to ensure alignment with the not-for-profit mission. By overseeing complex grant accounting and government contract compliance, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the rigorous standards required for national security research initiatives. Catherine Powers also collaborates with the executive leadership team to optimize capital deployment across various scientific departments. This financial oversight enables the organization to pursue high-impact research projects while maintaining operational stability. Through meticulous monitoring of fiscal performance, the Chief Financial Officer supports the broader strategic goals of the institution. Ultimately, Powers secures the necessary funding and financial infrastructure to sustain the ongoing development of advanced defense technologies and information systems for government partners.

    Brad Spooner - Interim Chief Financial Officer, Portfolio Companies

    Brad Spooner, the Interim Chief Financial Officer, Portfolio Companies at Riverside Research, oversees the financial performance and fiscal governance of specific research portfolios. Spooner directs the financial reporting and budgetary analysis for these distinct business units to ensure consistent adherence to organizational standards. By monitoring the economic viability of various research initiatives, the Interim Chief Financial Officer, Portfolio Companies maintains the financial integrity of the broader institution. Brad Spooner also collaborates with project leads to optimize resource utilization and manage costs associated with complex technical development. This leadership role involves assessing the financial risks and opportunities inherent in diverse scientific projects. Through precise fiscal management, Spooner supports the organization's ability to conduct rigorous, independent research. Ultimately, the Interim Chief Financial Officer, Portfolio Companies secures the financial foundation required for the successful execution of specialized research programs across the national landscape.

    Kathleen Powers - Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary & Treasurer

    Kathleen Powers, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary & Treasurer at Riverside Research, manages the financial reporting, corporate governance, and treasury functions of the organization. Powers directs the preparation of financial statements and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements for not-for-profit entities. By overseeing the treasury operations, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary & Treasurer maintains the liquidity and capital stability necessary for long-term research investments. Kathleen Powers also manages corporate records and facilitates board communications to ensure transparent governance. This leadership role involves balancing fiscal responsibility with the organization's commitment to scientific advancement. Through meticulous oversight of financial and corporate affairs, Powers supports the institution's independence and objectivity. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary & Treasurer secures the financial and administrative framework that allows the organization to address critical national priorities through rigorous research.

    Kia Canzonieri - Chief Financial Officer, Residence

    Kia Canzonieri, the Chief Financial Officer, Residence at Riverside Research, oversees the financial management and budgetary control for specific residential research facilities and programs. Canzonieri directs the allocation of funds and monitors the fiscal performance of these specialized units to ensure alignment with the broader organizational mission. By managing the financial aspects of facility operations, the Chief Financial Officer, Residence supports the maintenance of high-level research environments. Kia Canzonieri also collaborates with technical leads to ensure that financial resources are effectively utilized for testing, evaluation, and development projects. This role involves analyzing cost structures and implementing financial controls to optimize the delivery of research services. Through diligent fiscal oversight, Canzonieri maintains the financial health of these critical research hubs. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer, Residence secures the necessary funding and budgetary support to sustain the organization's commitment to scientific discovery and technical problem-solving.

    Todd Foster - Chief Operating Officer & Interim Director, Transformation

    Todd Foster, the Chief Operating Officer & Interim Director, Transformation at Riverside Research, manages the daily operational activities and leads organizational change initiatives. Foster directs the infrastructure and support systems that enable scientists and engineers to conduct mission-critical research. By overseeing the implementation of new operational frameworks, the Chief Operating Officer & Interim Director, Transformation improves the efficiency of research delivery and technical consulting services. Todd Foster also coordinates with other executive leaders to align internal processes with the evolving demands of government partners. This role involves driving large-scale improvements to the organization's systems analysis and development capabilities. Through strategic oversight of operational workflows, Foster ensures that the institution maintains its flexibility and scientific rigor. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer & Interim Director, Transformation secures the operational excellence required to solve complex technical challenges for the public interest.

    Kimberly Sablon - Chief Technology Officer

    Kimberly Sablon, the Chief Technology Officer at Riverside Research, architects the technical vision and scientific roadmap for the entire organization. Sablon drives innovation across defense technology, advanced analytics, and information systems by aligning research capabilities with evolving national priorities. Overseeing multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists, the Chief Technology Officer ensures the successful translation of fundamental discovery into practical, mission-ready solutions. Kimberly Sablon also fosters collaboration with government agencies to identify emerging technical challenges that require sophisticated problem-solving. This leadership role involves evaluating new research methodologies and integrating cutting-edge tools into the existing development pipeline. By maintaining a focus on scientific rigor and technical excellence, Sablon advances the organization's reputation as a leader in applied research. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer secures the technological edge necessary for the institution to solve complex problems for the public interest.
    Kimberly Sablon

    Graham Hearns - Managing Director, Chief of Staff

    Graham Hearns, the Managing Director, Chief of Staff at Riverside Research, coordinates executive operations and facilitates strategic communication across the organization. Hearns manages the flow of information between the leadership team and various research departments to ensure operational efficiency. By streamlining internal processes and overseeing administrative initiatives, the Managing Director, Chief of Staff supports the execution of complex research projects. Graham Hearns also acts as a primary liaison for high-level stakeholders, ensuring that organizational objectives remain synchronized with national needs. This role involves managing cross-functional projects that require the integration of multiple scientific domains. Through effective coordination and project oversight, Hearns maintains the organizational focus on mission-critical outcomes. Ultimately, the Managing Director, Chief of Staff drives the internal alignment necessary for the institution to deliver high-quality research and development services to government agencies and the broader public sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Riverside Research Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Riverside Research?
    Riverside Research is led by Catherine Powers (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Brad Spooner (Interim Chief Financial Officer, Portfolio Companies) and Kathleen Powers (Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary & Treasurer).
    Who is part of Riverside Research’s executive team?
    The executive team of Riverside Research includes leaders such as Catherine Powers (Chief Financial Officer), Brad Spooner (Interim Chief Financial Officer, Portfolio Companies), Kathleen Powers (Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary & Treasurer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Riverside Research have?
    Riverside Research has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Riverside Research’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Riverside Research includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Portfolio Companies, Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary & Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, Residence, Chief Operating Officer & Interim Director, Transformation.