General Dynamics Information Technology has expanded its artificial intelligence, cyber and mission software Centers of Excellence as part of a new strategy to invest in high-priority technologies and speed the development and deployment of mission solutions for government agencies.
The COEs will focus on three core areas:
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AI Center of Excellence: Uses AI and machine learning —including generative and agentic AI — to deliver rapid, repeatable solutions for defense, civilian, healthcare and intelligence missions.
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Cyber Center of Excellence: Bolsters capabilities in full-spectrum cyber, zero trust, threat intelligence and automated cyber defense to protect critical infrastructure, operations and federal networks.
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Mission Software Center of Excellence: Applies AI-assisted development, digital engineering and commercial tech to accelerate modernization of mission systems.
“Federal agencies require speed, agility and forward-looking mission solutions to keep pace with evolving demands,” said Ben Gianni, GDIT senior vice president and chief technology officer. “Our expanded COEs, which bring together our deep mission understanding, technical expertise and advanced technology capabilities, will enable us to move faster, innovate more boldly and deliver long-term value to our customers.”
GDIT’s vice president of AI and data insights, Dave Vennergrund, will lead the company’s AI Center of Excellence. With three decades of technology experience, including 22 years at GDIT, Vennergrund led mission-critical federal programs using generative AI, ML, computer vision, natural language processing and data modernization. He also oversaw the development of Luna AI, one of GDIT’s nine digital accelerators designed to rapidly advance government missions.
To lead the Cyber Center of Excellence, GDIT named Karen Valenta vice president of cyber. Valenta brings 25 years of experience delivering advanced cyber technology and mission solutions and spearheaded multiple transformation efforts across the commercial sector and intelligence community.
GDIT also appointed Jay Olsen, the company’s technology vice president of application services, to head the Mission Software Center of Excellence. With more than 30 years of experience, Olsen led the company’s growth and go-to-market strategy in agile, DevSecOps, human-centered design, application modernization and cloud-native software development.