By 
On June 29, Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC (“MDP”), a private equity firm based in Chicago, IL, announced that it has formed an executive partnership, which is branded MissionX, with former LGS Innovations (“LGS”) Chief Executive Officer Kevin Kelly and two other former LGS executives, Robert Gallegos and Chris McCall, who previously served as LGS’ Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff, respectively. MissionX and MDP’s Business & Government Software and Services team will pursue investments in differentiated technology companies focused on high-growth mission areas within the US national security marketplace, and will apply their expertise and resources to support and strengthen the companies with which they partner.
“Kevin is a world-class executive, who has a deep understanding of the government technology sector and national security mission, and we are thrilled to expand our collaboration with him on this exciting and promising endeavor,” said Matt Norton, Managing Director and Head of MDP’s Business & Government Software and Services team. “We had a highly productive and successful collaboration with Kevin, Robert, and Chris throughout our investment in and partnership with LGS, and we look forward to again working closely with them to identify companies upon which we can build a market-leading business to support important government customers.”
“Kevin has demonstrated time and again his aptitude for growing successful companies, and we are excited to begin this new chapter with him and his team at MissionX,” added Brandon Levitan, a Director on MDP’s Business & Government Software and Services team. “We are enthusiastic about the many growth opportunities in the government technology sector and the unique combination of expertise and resources MissionX will bring to help companies capitalize on those opportunities.”
MissionX will focus on identifying a government technology platform with strong underlying technical capabilities, a technology solutions business model, and a diverse mix of products and services. It will target prospective platform companies that are active in high-growth mission areas such as Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cybersecurity, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR); Defense Electronics; Electronic Warfare; Multi-INT Data Fusion and Analytics; Position, Navigation and Timing; Software-Based Modeling and Simulation; Space Photonics and High-End Communications; and Space Superiority.
Kelly added, “We are pleased to begin the search process for a technology-differentiated, intellectual property-driven government platform that could benefit from our partnership’s resources, network of relationships, and expertise. MDP has a proven track record of growing government technology companies while increasing their mission efficiency and enhancing our national security. I’ve enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Matt, Brandon, and the entire MDP team, and I look forward to moving forward with them on our new joint mission.”
Kelly has more than 25 years of experience in the areas of research, engineering, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. As chief executive officer of LGS, Kelly oversaw the development and implementation of the company’s growth strategy, which generated new products and services, an expanded client base, and a significant increase in EBITDA during MDP’s five-year ownership.
Following CACI International’s acquisition of LGS in 2019, Kelly led LGS’ integration into CACI with the creation of a new high-tech division named the National Security and Innovation Solutions (NSIS) Sector, where Kelly served as president. In this role, he oversaw the operations of a $2 billion business consisting of innovative technology and products, including those of several key acquisitions, such as LGS Innovations, Six3 Systems, and L-3 National Security Solutions. Previously, he held senior roles within General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems and Lockheed Martin.
Kelly currently serves on the board of directors of MDP portfolio company BlueCat Technologies, as an advisor to the board of MDP portfolio company, AEVEX Aerospace, and as an advisor to MDP through the firm’s Business & Government Software and Services Industry Advisory Group. He holds a BS EE degree from Penn State University and a MS in Engineering Management degree from George Washington University. He also is a proud member of the Engineering Hall of Fame at George Washington University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Source: MissionX
