The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 20, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 21.
Next is John DeSimone, CEO of Nightwing, and finalist in the Cybersecurity Executive of the Year, Private Company, category. Here, he talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024?
Nightwing became independent from RTX in April 2024, and as the newly appointed CEO, I had the privilege of leading the company through this period of transition. Our key focus was ensuring operational continuity while maintaining the trust of our clients and partners. I am proud of the momentum we’ve gained since then, as we’ve successfully positioned Nightwing for future success. We’ve sharpened our focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions, aligning our strengths with the evolving needs of our clients in today’s rapidly changing threat landscape. In a short time, Nightwing has carved out a unique position in the market, driven by our distinct portfolio in special intelligence missions, data operations, systems integration, software modernization, and offensive cyber solutions that inform defensive cyber strategies.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Nightwing’s vision moving forward is to deliver some of the world’s most advanced tech-enabled solutions for any challenge. Even before Nightwing’s inception, our team pioneered some of the most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration, and intelligence mission support services to government agencies, commercial businesses, and organizations on their most important missions. To continue doing that and beyond, we’ll be investing more in our people and technology as we grow our company to exceed the needs of our customers today and in the future. It also is very important to me that our employees working on the missions understand their value to the business and to our customer missions. I also spend a lot of time thinking about the culture – one unique opportunity when forming a new organization is that we define our own future, not just in terms of growth but in the way we show up, and that’s something I take very seriously.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Anyone pursuing careers in technology, cybersecurity, and national intelligence understand what dynamic and quickly evolving fields they are. Emerging technologies and processes like AI, big data, and quantum computing have the potential to upend every facet of every industry. The takeaway is that professionals must keep their skills current and always be learning. With that approach, we are better able to adapt and embrace new concepts. And it’s not always about adapting; leaders should be out ahead of that change and driving it. Throughout my own career, I have made it a habit to create a new cybersecurity product line in every business I have led. I would advise professionals that if you have a vision, advocate for it and make it a reality.