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SPA Names 4 Fellows Across Software, AI, Cloud, Wargaming

SWStaff Writer|1 min read|May 20, 2026
Ian Harding, Steven Hernandez, Amy Soller and Phillip Pournelle

Systems Planning & Analysis has appointed four new fellows, expanding its expertise across software engineering, DevSecOps and cloud, applied AI and digital wargaming.

SPA fellows are the company’s most senior subject matter experts, advancing enterprise capabilities and delivering mission impact for national security clients. The appointments reinforce SPA’s focus on accelerating how advanced capabilities are developed, integrated and applied across complex, multidomain environments.

The new fellows are:

  • Ian Harding, fellow, software engineering
  • Steven Hernandez, fellow, DevSecOps and cloud
  • Amy Soller, fellow, applied artificial intelligence
  • Phillip Pournelle, fellow, digital wargaming

“Applied artificial intelligence enables organizations to accelerate and scale data-driven analytics and outcomes, super-charging decision-making, productivity, and mission effectiveness across complex environments,” Soller said.

Harding leads the design of software architectures that enable data analytics, AI and decision-making. Hernandez architects secure, scalable cloud and DevSecOps solutions that accelerate delivery of mission-critical systems, particularly in space and command and control environments. Soller leads the application of AI and machine learning to advance mission outcomes, adapting emerging technologies for complex defense and intelligence environments. Pournelle leads digital wargaming and analytical approaches that advance decision-making across joint and naval operations.

“Software engineering is mostly invisible,” Harding said. “When it’s done well, systems just work, enabling reliable, scalable solutions that adapt quickly to solve complex problems.”

SW
Staff Writer
WashingtonExec celebrates the people, programs, and milestones shaping the Washington, D.C. government contracting community.
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