FTI announces seven new execs across space, naval, and cyber security ops

Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI), a provider of deep data expertise and mission-tailored services and solutions to the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community, announced it has hired seven new executives. FTI’s newest leaders Lincoln Hudson, Jennifer Nix, Dr. Jonathan “Jody” Avooske, Rudy Fernandez, Ronald Merritt, Pamela Way, and Jason Wentz further strengthen the company’s proven technology and service offerings across its Space, Navy, and Cyber Security Operating Groups.

“FTI’s mission is to provide tailored technology and expertise that enhance the ability of the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community to integrate and fully exploit their data to make the best decisions possible,” said Jose Hidalgo, president, FTI. “Our seven newest executives have deep skill sets and broad experience that will enable FTI to bring greater information advantage to our customers.”

Lincoln Hudson joined in 2023 as chief operations officer, bringing over 25 years of experience supporting the DoD. Hudson has a proven track record of applying technologies to create sustainable and affordable solutions that benefit customers on all levels. Previously, Hudson held the position of senior vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton, guiding a team of 850 employees, and managing the growth and transition of a $300 million business. Hudson also spent 15 years at Northrop Grumman in roles from chief engineer to strategy director, and several years at General Dynamics early in his career. He holds a master of science degree in system engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Jennifer Nix joined in 2023 as vice president of air and space operations. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the defense and space industries, most recently as senior director of space systems at L3Harris and member of the operational leadership team at DigitalGlobe (now Maxar). Nix holds a master of business administration degree from Colorado State University, and a BS in geography from Wright State University.

Dr. Jonathan “Jody” Avooske joined in 2023 as vice president of information advantage. Previously, Avooske completed 20 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force followed by 20 years of civilian experience in cyber, advanced analytics, intelligence, and electronic warfare. He holds a doctor of business administration degree, specializing in the management of engineering and technology, from Northcentral University; a master of science degree in strategic management from Indiana University; and a BS in integrated supply chain management from the University of Phoenix.

Rudy Fernandez joins as vice president of Navy operations and brings more than 35 years of experience with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Navy. Fernandez previously served as senior director in the Maritime Systems and Integration Operating Unit, and as Charlottesville site lead at Northrop Grumman. He also held various management positions over 10 years at Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC), a Joint Venture between DRS and Thales, and served as a submarine officer in the Navy for 22 years. Fernandez holds a master of business administration degree from Chaminade University and a BA in applied mathematics from Jacksonville University.

Pamela Way (formerly Pamela Ireland) joined FTI in 2023 as director of business development, focusing on tech-enabled solutions for the Navy and USMC. Her 32-year career within the aerospace and defense sectors spans senior leadership roles in business intel, government relations, program management, strategy, and business development at Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and Lone Star Analysis. Way holds a master of business administration degree from the M.J. Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University, and a BA in international relations from Johns Hopkins University.

Ronald Merritt joins as director of naval operations. Previously, Merritt served as director of information operations for KBR, where he led diverse teams delivering technical solutions to government and commercial customers in intelligence, military space technology, C4ISR, and systems integration. Prior to KBR, he served as the chief of force management for the Initiatives Group under the U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence. Before joining the private sector, he served as a surface warfare officer on multiple warships during his 21-year career in the U.S. Navy. Merritt has a BS in computer science from The Citadel and a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

Jason Wentz joins as strategic account executive. Wentz previously served as vice president with Scientific Research Corporation, managing contracts with the U.S. Space Force, Navy, and Marines. Before that, he was senior program manager at Omitron, Inc. where he managed all aspects of contractual support to NAVWAR, led a team of highly technical SMEs in support of classified programs for the Navy and Air Force, and operationally administered SSA for human space flight safety, providing collision avoidance data to NASA and other DoD customers. Wentz holds a master of in business administration degree from La Verne University.

Source: FTI

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