MICAH CARLSON, C.E.O.

Micah is the Chief Executive Officer at Defense Architecture Systems Incorporated. With over 24 years of experience in the development of integrated systems for the defense and commercial markets, Mr. Carlson brings technical leadership and corporate guidance to the DAS team and its customers. Micah provides oversight for business operations across a broad range of customer-focused programs, with a focus on the development of operations that apply technical solutions to simplify operations, streamline user experience and provide mission-tailored solutions.

Mr. Carlson received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and his Master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University. Prior to founding DAS in 2010, Micah worked for the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory for over 14 years. While there, he led a team of over 30 researchers and engineers in the areas of mechanical, electrical, software and systems studies with additional programs focused on sensor development and evaluation. Mr. Carlson holds over 10 patents in a variety of detection technologies, has authored multiple refereed publications, and continues to apply key expertise in the application of emerging technology to streamline operations in both civilian and military markets.

DR. JEFFERY LESHO, C.T.O.

Dr. Jeff Lesho brings over 35 years of professional expertise as a highly qualified systems engineer and supervisor. While at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Lesho managed a group of 40 engineers in complex systems integration tasking for programs such as the revolutionizing prosthetics program for DARPA, the development chemical sensors and architectures for DoD and the Executive Branch as well as leading teams in satellite development for military programs while working in the JHU/APL space Department.  Jeff brings extensive experience testing Chemical and Biological sensors, developing procedures for US border protection programs, the design and implementation of spectral sensing of bio-aerosols, and the analysis and assessment of adversary operations in support of JIEDDO (currently JIDA). Dr. Lesho holds over 16 patents in a variety of categories including an implantable glucose sensor

GERAD HOUSE, VP OF ENGINEERING

Gerad House is the VP of Engineering for Defense Architecture Systems and prior to that was a Senior Professional Staff Engineer in the Asymmetric Operations Sector at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.  Mr. House has a combined 19 years of experience, including 10 years of program management experience, proposal generation, technical management and managing contract deliverables.  Gerad has experience in developing, testing, and integrating CBRNE sensor systems for infrastructure and force protection. This includes managing the development and integration of emerging Chemical, Biological, and Radiation sensor technologies necessary to maintain a state of the art detection system for emerging threats. Mr. House closely manages the engineering teams responsible for developing solutions to meet unique Sponsor needs to ensure the systems meet or exceed technical expectations.

CINDY CROSSWHITE, VP OF OPERATIONS

Cindy’s expertise spans a range from the chemical safety officer for an explosives manufacturing company to the establishment of Quality Control programs for a GMP chemical synthesis facility. After 10 years in materials and pharmaceutical chemistry, Cindy has taken her knowledge of quality management and manufacturing to develop a ISO 9001:2015 registered Quality Management System at DAS. In her current role as the VP of Operations, Cindy is leading initiatives to optimize DAS internal processes and improve the DAS cybersecurity posture. Cindy is a Certified Quality Auditor and Occupational Safety and Health Professional and received her Master of Science in Chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

TODD WOODRICK, Program Area Manager

Todd Woodrick is a former Air Force Special Tactics Officer with public and private sector experience in technology development.   After leading special operations and advanced military technology programs for 24 years in the Air Force, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and Joint Special Operations Command, Todd joined the senior staff of Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab where he championed operator-centric technology development.  In this role he was instrumental in creation of the nation’s first multi-domain intelligence fusion system for countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) terrorism. As a technology developer he has worked to bring operational expertise into the acquisition process,  and developed a strong appreciation for the critical role of commercial innovation and private capital in advancing government and military capabilities.