DARPA’s alumni are a who’s who in science, technology and research. Because DARPA only hires Program Managers for four to six years, many of the former Program Managers have used their experience at DARPA to advance their careers.

DARPA Program Managers not only get invaluable experience but also:

• Gain national visibility in the research community,
• Hone technology management and defense sector experience, and
• Develop contacts within the government and defense industry.

Favorite DARPA Moments:

Sarah Jackson: Being at the start line for the Grand Challenge. The excitement in the air at 0230 was inspiring and it was fascinating to see the vehicles launch from the shoots.

Vinton Cerf: Nov 22, 1977 - first time all three of the networks that made up the original Internet were demonstrated to work together, including nodes in Norway and the UK.

David Tennenhouse: My best DARPA moments came after I left DARPA -- and they keep on coming. They are when I see the results of programs we launched…

Former DARPA Program Managers: Where are they now?

Amy Alving, former Director of the Special Projects Office (SPO) 2002 – 2005, was appointed chief technology officer of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in December 2007. Alving will direct the Office of Technology, where she will work with SAIC line organizations in all areas related to science and technology.

Wayne Bryden, former Program Manager in the Special Projects Office (SPO) and Strategic Technology Office (STO) 2005 – 2007, joined ICx Detection in September 2007 as the Vice President of Advanced Research. Bryden will oversee the company's vision and leadership for building advanced solutions in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive detection.

Preston Carter, former Program Manager in the Tactical Technology Office (TTO) 2000 – 2004, was appointed as the Chief Technology Officer, Techsphere Systems International, Inc. (TSI) on June 7, 2007. TSI is a subsidiary of Cyber Defense Systems, Inc. and a designer, developer, and manufacturer of manned and unmanned airships. Carter will be assisting TSI to continue the advancement of their stationary aerial platforms towards longer endurance and higher altitude applications.

Lynn Conway, former Assistant Director for Applications, Strategic Computing Applications, 1983 – 1985, was noted as a VLSI chip pioneer by Computerworld in the December 3, 2007 article “Unsung innovators: 10 people who shaped the computer industry.””

David Honey, Director of the Advanced Technology Office and Strategic Technology Office (STO) 2004 – 2007, joined Information Systems Laboratories Inc. (ISL) in October 2007 as chief of the company's defense sector.

Robert Kahn, former Director of the Information Processing Techniques Office (IPTO) 1972 – 1985, was named ‘Stepfather’ of the Internet by Computerworld in the December 3, 2007 article “Unsung innovators: 10 people who shaped the computer industry.”

Jim Karam, former Program Manager in the Strategic Technology Office (STO) 1975 – 1978, recently had his book, Managing Systems Development 101, published by ASME Press in 2007.

Dr. Lisa Porter, former Program Manager in the Advanced Technology Office (ATO) 2002 – 2005, was selected to be the first Director of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA). After DARPA, Porter served as NASA Associate Administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, managing the agency's aeronautics research portfolio and guided its strategic direction.

Updated 2.25.08

DARPA PROGRAM MANAGER RECEIVING FEEDBACK

“DARPA is highly respected in the S&T community...people look to us to see what's going on in cutting-edge technology.”
Steve Walker, PhD TTO Deputy Director

PROGRAM MANAGER AND LONG-TERM STATION-KEEPING BUOY