Silicon Valley Defense Group Welcomes Mike Keating as New Executive Director
The Silicon Valley Defense Group (SVDG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Keating as its new Executive Director. Mike brings a wealth of experience across venture-backed technology startups, strategy consulting, and national security, making him an exceptional leader to drive SVDG’s mission forward.
Mike joins SVDG from Deep Labs AI, where he led the company’s public sector business practice, applying advanced behavioral analysis and anomaly detection to critical government use cases. Prior to that, he was a consultant with The Boston Consulting Group, advising
senior federal and commercial leaders on large-scale transformational change, strategic priorities, and organizational improvement. He began his career as a U.S. Naval Officer, completing multiple operational deployments and humanitarian relief missions, onboard Guided Missile Cruisers and as the Officer in Charge of an expeditionary riverine detachment. Additionally, he served in the Pentagon, where he managed directed energy weapons requirements and budget strategies for the Chief of Naval Operations.
Mike is a former Next-Generation National Security Leaders Fellow at the Center for a New American Security and is currently a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations. He holds an MBA from Dartmouth College, an MA in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University, and a BA from Boston College. A San Diego native, he currently resides in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Tara, and their young daughter, Claire.
“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Mike into the SVDG family,” said Jacqueline Tame, who has been serving as Acting Executive Director since January 2024, in addition to her role on the Executive Board. “Mike is coming into the organization at one of the most exciting times in recent history for the startup and private capital communities - particularly those serving in and catalyzing the evolution and expansion of the national security innovation base. His broad experience across government, finance, geopolitical risk and advisory services, and tech startups make him an exceptionally well-positioned leader to drive us forward.”
Chris Donaghey, Chairman of the SVDG Board, echoed the enthusiasm for Mike’s leadership. “Mike’s deep expertise at the intersection of national security, technology, and investment uniquely positions him to advance SVDG’s mission. As we continue to foster stronger partnerships between Silicon Valley and the defense sector, we are confident that his leadership will accelerate our impact and further strengthen our community.”
Mike shared his excitement about stepping into the role: “American national security suffers not from an innovation problem, but from an innovation adoption problem. As the national security enterprise navigates today's global inflection point, SVDG is uniquely positioned to break down innovation adoption barriers and better facilitate capital allocation to game-changing emerging technology for national defense. I'm consequently thrilled for my good fortune of being asked to join the talented SVDG team. The SVDG mission is critical, and I'm excited to scale SVDG's known impact for founders, funders, and public servants.”
The announcement comes as SVDG continues to expand its engagement with industry, government, and investment leaders dedicated to strengthening the national security innovation ecosystem. Mike will officially assume the role of Executive Director effective immediately.
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