Defense Innovators - 100 Top Difference Makers Nominations

For too long, #DefenseInnovation has celebrated visibility over impact. The loudest voices get the panels. The best branding gets the headlines. But the people truly #changing the game? Often they’re buried inside program offices, #startups, operational units, #labs, contracting shops, and cross-functional teams quietly moving capability into mission. That deserves a #spotlight. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be publishing the Difference Makers - “100 Top Defense Innovators” list focused not on hype—but on measurable influence across the national security ecosystem. This effort is intended to recognize the builders, connectors, translators, operators, policymakers, technologists, and ecosystem leaders who are accelerating meaningful change across defense, intelligence, industry, academia, and the startup community. Not just #people with ideas. People creating #movement. I’m especially interested in innovators driving adoption, breaking down barriers, connecting communities, modernizing systems, and helping emerging technology reach real operational impact. If there are #leaders you believe are reshaping the future of defense innovation—particularly those not already getting the #recognition they deserve—I want to hear about them. I have some space left on the list, and I want to check my blind spots with the people who know this space the best. PM (or even better) comment below with who should be on the list and why. It's never a bad day to give a shout out! The future of #NationalSecurity will belong to organizations that can #adapt faster, #collaborate better, and turn #innovation into #operationaladvantage. Let’s recognize the people making that happen. David S. David Rothzeid Ryan Connell Greg Lewis Alexis B. Rob Zuppert Jesse Levin Jer M. Aniza Butler 👩🏻💻🚀 Kris Saling Victor Deal W. Ethan Eagle Katherine T. Kelli Esser Joshua Marcuse Sabra Horne Dr. Marina T. Michelle Currier, CPCM, CFCM Kameke M. Chris O'Donnell Nicholas Vandre Ryan Evans Cameron Conger Art Trevethan Wade Forbes Aubrey L. Arveice Washington Abigail Desjardins Beth Archibald Martin Mika Cross Nina Archie Bonnie Evangelista Brandi Boers