DEFCON AI Names Aerospace and Technology Executive Margo de Naray CEO as Backlog Surpasses $150 Million

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DEFCON AI, an AI system integrator and leader in AI-enabled modeling, simulation, and resilient optimization for complex operational environments, today announced the appointment of Margo de Naray, former CEO of space solar technology company Solestial as Chief Executive Officer. She replaces Yisroel Brumer, Ph.D., who remains at DEFCON AI as Co-Founder.

“Under Yisroel’s leadership, DEFCON AI has grown from an early-stage technology startup to a respected provider of decision and optimization capabilities to the national security community,” said Grant Verstandig, DEFCON AI Co-Founder and Executive Chairman and Red Cell Partners Founder and CEO. “We thank him for his years of dedicated service and look forward to continuing our working relationship together.

“We are thrilled to welcome Margo to the DEFCON AI team,” added Verstandig. “Not only does she understand and believe in our mission, as someone experienced in scaling technology companies and guiding complex businesses through commercialization, she has the proven track record to lead DEFCON AI through our next phase of growth.”

De Naray joins DEFCON AI at a period of significant momentum. Since its founding in 2022, the company has rapidly expanded its work across the U.S. Government and now has more than $150 million in contracted revenue backlog across four large customers, driven by growing demand for AI-powered tools that help decision-makers plan and operate in complex, dynamic, and contested environments. It recently entered into a five-year agreement supporting U.S. Marine Corps Logistics Command and Control modernization.

“With a substantial backlog and pipeline, differentiated technology, and an extraordinarily talented team, DEFCON AI has an exceptional foundation for growth,” said de Naray. “I’m excited to build on DEFCON AI’s success and impact for our national security and private sector customers."

De Naray brings more than 20 years of executive experience to DEFCON AI. Most recently, she was President and CEO of Solestial, which was acquired by York Space Systems. In addition, she previously served as Senior Vice President & GM of space products and services at Astra, a U.S. space technology company, and as Managing Director at Cargill, an international agriculture solutions company operating across 70 markets worldwide. De Naray began her career at Intel and holds dual MS Engineering & MBA degrees from MIT and a BS Engineering degree from the University of Michigan.

"Margo is an amazing talent who brings the exact experience we need to help DEFCON AI rapidly scale and capture the opportunities ahead,” said Brumer. “I am thrilled to have her leading the company into its next chapter and I look forward to working together."

About DEFCON AI

DEFCON AI, delivers next-generation modeling, simulation, and analysis toolsets tailored for resilient optimization of complex systems and AI systems integration. Leveraging extensive expertise in artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, data analytics, and world-class software engineering, our technology provides insights for better decisions in a complex and dynamically changing world. We empower clients to anticipate, assess, and mitigate the potential impacts of disrupted and non-disrupted networks, aligning outcomes with operational goals. Visit us at defconai.com and follow us on LinkedIn.