Pennsylvania’s defense and aerospace ecosystem includes government agencies, advanced engineering firms, and contractors supporting national security programs. These organizations operate within highly regulated environments where cybersecurity plays a critical role in protecting classified systems, research programs, and defense supply chains. Security leaders in this sector must balance operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and advanced threat defense while supporting mission-critical technologies.
Danielle Bush Gerko — Chief Information Security Officer, Concurrent Technologies Corporation
Danielle Bush Gerko serves as Chief Information Security Officer at Concurrent Technologies Corporation, where she leads cybersecurity strategy for a research and engineering organization that supports national defense initiatives. Her career reflects a blend of technical leadership and operational management, including experience overseeing cybersecurity operations, enterprise IT systems, and strategic technology initiatives. Gerko’s background includes managing complex technology environments while guiding cross-functional teams and strengthening organizational security capabilities.
Dave Odom — Chief Information Security Officer, Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corporation
Dave Odom serves as Chief Information Security Officer at Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corporation, which operates the Naval Nuclear Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. In this role, he oversees the strategic direction of cybersecurity programs supporting critical nuclear propulsion research and development for the U.S. Navy. Odom’s leadership focuses on secure network architecture, enterprise risk management, incident response capabilities, and regulatory compliance across highly sensitive defense environments.
Karl Larson — Command Information Security Officer, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP)
Karl Larson serves as Command Information Security Officer at Naval Supply Systems Command, where he leads cybersecurity and risk management initiatives across U.S. Navy enterprise logistics and contracting systems. With more than 15 years of experience in defense cybersecurity operations, Larson supports the secure operation of mission-critical systems used across the Navy’s global supply chain. His work includes securing cloud environments such as AWS GovCloud and implementing cybersecurity frameworks aligned with RMF and NIST standards.
Joe Cotter — Director of Information Technology & Cybersecurity, Spectrum Control
Joe Cotter leads information technology and cybersecurity initiatives at Spectrum Control, a company supporting advanced electronics and defense systems. Over nearly two decades with the organization, he has held multiple leadership roles overseeing infrastructure, security operations, and enterprise IT initiatives. Cotter’s work focuses on strengthening cybersecurity programs while aligning technology investments with business growth and operational resilience.
Protecting National Security Systems
Defense and aerospace organizations manage some of the most sensitive technologies in the world, making cybersecurity leadership essential to protecting national security interests. The leaders featured here help secure critical research programs, supply chains, and operational systems that support the defense ecosystem across Pennsylvania.
To explore how cybersecurity leaders protect critical infrastructure and operational technology systems, read Cybersecurity Leaders to Watch in Pennsylvania’s Utilities Industry.