Champions of Mission Innovation

The Institute for Mission Innovation is a collection of mission-oriented subject matter experts who have been serving the national security community in research, engineering and technology for their full careers. Each member is a patriotic advocate who understands the customer requirements and the mission challenges.

Our leadership philosophy centers around the belief that successful partnerships are key to driving innovation forward - and the people who would make up great partnerships need help getting introduced.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Karen Hathaway Viani

President

The Ultimate Super Facilitator, Dr. Viani is an innovation specialist, coach and mentor that drives mission innovation through fostering collaboration. Formerly, Chief of Staff and Senior Leadership in Strategic Partnerships and Technology Transfer at the MITRE Corporation, Dr. Viani develops corporate level strategies, partners with executive team and stakeholders to implement and execute initiatives driving innovation and effectiveness. Doctor of Engineering - George Washington University Masters of Business Administration - Western New England University

Nancy Lynn Pattillo

Chief Operating Officer

A seasoned Executive Director of a pre-eminent Mission Innovation Technology Laboratory, Ms. Pattillo leads all operations to achieve organizational growth, operational excellence and strategic impact. Ms. Pattillo works closely with all stakeholders to ensure mission success and deepened engagement across the ecosystem. Bachelor of Science, Psychology - Armstrong State University

Dr. Venus Fisher

Provost

Dr. Fisher is a higher education leader and distance education specialist with expertise in programmatic and curriculum development, quality assurance, student engagement and accreditation. Dr. Fisher brings deep experienced building academic programs in cybersecurity and other professional development programs for highly regulated industries. Doctor of Philosophy - Northcentral University Masters of Business Administration, Marketing

Tom Albert

Chief Technology Officer, Senior Fellow, Advanced Technologies.

Mr. Albert is a serial entrepreneur in the defense and intelligence community, particularly focused on advanced IT systems mitigating risks in critical environments. Mr. Albert is the Chairman of the Institute for Supply Chain Risk, and the founder and executive of major cybersecurity and risk organizations. Bachelor in Applied Finance - Penn State University

Jason Gayl

Chief Financial Officer, Head of Corporate Development

Mr. Gayl is responsible for all aspects of Finance and Accounting and formation stakeholder management. Mr. Gayl is an expert in finance, strategy and entrepreneurship, having provided strategy advisory, outreach support and convenings for capital syndications and mission innovation. Mr. Gayl has supported every stakeholder type across the Mission Innovation ecosystem. Author - Bridging Innovation & The Venture Manager Masters of Business Administration, Finance, Strategy & Entrepreneurship - University of Maryland

Brandon Friedman

Head of Strategic Partnerships

Mr. Friedman is a consultative sales expert in highly-regulated industries, forming partnerships between stakeholders in national security, the defense industrial base and financial services institutions. Mr. Friedman is an expert in finding win-win situations for all stakeholders. Mr. Friedman worked closely with a large consortia of financial institutions to create new solutions in cybersecurity, data centers, continuity of operations and disaster recovery, for highly sensitive enterprise organizations. Bachelor of Applied Science - Indiana University

Tourang Nazari

Chief Marketing Officer

Ms. Nazari leads all aspects of communications strategy for IFMI, managing the complex public relations and marketing efforts, as well as advising IFMI's partner organizations on their outreach programs. Masters of Arts, Public Communications - American University Bachelor of Arts, International Relations - George Mason University