With over two decades shaping some of the federal government’s most complex defense and space programs, Kameke Mitchell has built a career at the intersection of national security, acquisition and innovation.
From managing NASA’s $23 billion procurement portfolio to helping stand up the Space Force’s Commercial Space Office, her work has consistently focused on scale, impact and mission outcomes.
Now, as chief strategy officer at MetroStar, Mitchell is applying that experience to enterprise strategy and growth, aligning human-centered technology with the evolving priorities of defense and intelligence customers. In this Q&A, she reflects on the career moments that shaped her path, why service remains her driving force, and how mentorship, strategy and timing converged to bring her to MetroStar at exactly the right moment.
Can you provide a brief overview of your professional background and career progression? Please include what ultimately landed you in your current role.
I am a strategic executive with over 20 years of experience leading complex, multi-billion-dollar defense and federal programs at the intersection of acquisition, innovation, and national security. As Chief Strategy Officer at MetroStar, I shape enterprise strategy and market positioning to drive growth, strengthen mission impact, and align our human-centered, technology-driven solutions with evolving defense and intelligence priorities.
Previously, I held senior roles at NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and the U.S. Air Force—managing NASA’s $23B procurement portfolio, establishing the Space Force’s Commercial Space Office, and leading major contracting efforts, including international F-16 programs exceeding $15B.
Joining MetroStar was an opportunity that came together through a mix of perfect timing, my experience, and the company’s trajectory—it truly was the perfect storm.
Why was this the path you chose, and how influential was it to your career?
I chose this path because the timing aligned perfectly with where I was in my career and where the company was headed. MetroStar was at a point in its trajectory where my experience, drive, and desire to build aligned naturally with the opportunities ahead. I’m energized by challenges that require both creativity and strategic thinking, and this role offered a chance to contribute in a way that felt meaningful and transformative.
What made the decision even more influential to my career is the foundation MetroStar already had in place—strong enough to support innovation but flexible enough to allow me to shape new ideas, create opportunities, and expand impact. Being able to bring my skill set into an environment that values growth and service has allowed me to not only advance professionally, but also contribute to work that serves our nation. That combination has made this career choice both pivotal and deeply rewarding.
Do you have a personal connection to the current mission you support? If so, please explain.
Yes! I was born into a dual active-duty Air Force family. We are a family of service. Between my parents, my 20-year civilian career, and my sibling’s military career, it has always made sense for me to serve our country in any way that I can. MetroStar’s goal is to be a major contributor to advancing our nation as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This goal aligns directly with my core value of serving.
What are your current top priorities and responsibilities? How do these relate to your company’s overall mission/growth strategy?
My focus is on delivering high-quality outcomes, strengthening collaboration, and driving efficiency across our initiatives. My current top priorities center on executing high-impact work, aligning day-to-day actions with broader strategic objectives, and ensuring our efforts directly support the company’s mission and growth strategy.
Where do you and your team see growth opportunities in your current field or portfolio you support, or what do you anticipate being your customers’ top pain points?
Our team sees several clear growth opportunities within our current portfolio, driven both by evolving mission needs and by gaps we consistently observe across customer environments.
How are you and your team planning to address/prepare for these opportunities?
To prepare for these opportunities, our team is taking a structured and proactive approach by aligning on priorities and strategy, strengthening our skills and capabilities, enhancing collaboration and communication, implementing scalable processes and tools, and conducting risk assessments and mitigation planning.
How important is mentorship & networking in GovCon? Were they influential to your career?
Mentoring and networking are essential components of success in the GovCon space. I’m a strong proponent of mentorship and have supported several GovCon professionals across both government and industry. I tell all my mentees that they owe me nothing except to “pay it forward.”
I run a structured mentoring program that incorporates each mentee’s short- and long-term goals. We select a leadership book to read together, and I help them apply those principles in real time as they work toward developing their own leadership philosophy. I also emphasize the importance of cultivating strong internal and external relationships. In this industry, your network truly influences how far you can go— and you never know who is observing your work and potential.
My own career is a testament to the mentors who have poured into me, though two stand out the most. The first is a retired DoD CIO who now serves on several boards. She pushed me to leave a role I was comfortable in so I could grow, even encouraging me to relocate to another state. She continues to play a pivotal role in helping me elevate and stay grounded.
The second is a retired Director of Contracting who has consistently guided me throughout my career—opening doors, providing constructive feedback, and redirecting me when I doubted myself. Their support has been invaluable, and I am forever grateful to both of them.
What is something most people don’t know about you personally?
Something many people don’t know about me is that I’m an introvert who thrives in collaborative environments. While I recharge quietly, I love building meaningful connections and bringing people together to create impactful work.