Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
Rob brings nearly 15 years of experience in aerospace and commercial aviation, including leadership roles in major projects. As Managing Director of the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas program, he oversees operations and strategic initiatives.
Keegan Evans serves as the Regional Engagement Principal for Kansas with the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Commercial Operations team, a DIU component dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation among DoD mission partners, academia, industry, startups, investors, and other national security stakeholders to solve some of the most complex challenges facing the nation. Prior to his current role, Keegan served as Strategic Advisor and Special Assistant to the Missouri Military Advocate, the Missouri Governor’s military affairs representative, where he advised on policy, operations, and strategic communications. In addition, Keegan engaged with state and federal policymakers, implemented inter-agency programs and regional initiatives, and served as principal staff to the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission. Keegan started his career in government as an analyst at the Missouri State Highway Patrol, General Headquarters. He then joined the staff of a Missouri State Senator as Legislative Director, where he staffed multiple legislative committees including Senate Appropriations. Following the Missouri Senate, Keegan joined the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) as a fellow and subsequent staff assistant to the Chief of Staff in Arlington, VA. Upon returning to Missouri, Keegan served as a trade manager with the Missouri Office of International Trade and Investment, advising Missouri-based companies on expansion into Europe and Middle Eastern markets. He managed client projects across 6 international offices generating $30 million in combined export sales. As a trade manager, Keegan supported 4 Governor-led trade missions and led the execution of a healthcare client delegation to Dubai, UAE that increased client sales by over $10 million. Keegan received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Missouri – Columbia. He is an active member on the Board of Directors for the AFCEA International Greater Kansas City Chapter and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Great Rivers Chapter. Keegan resides in Kansas City with his fiancé and two dogs.
Jeffrey Donenfeld currently serves as the Regional Engagement Principal for Colorado with the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Commercial Operations team. Jeffrey builds the future through technology portfolio and partnership growth in Aerospace, Space, Security, and Defense sectors. His multidisciplinary vision, entrepreneurial insight, and industry expertise leads organizations through early stage technology and team strategy to growth and exit stage venture investment and support. Jeffrey is a lifelong futurist, strategist, and thought leader who enjoys advancing the leading edge. Jeffrey is a published author, industry voice, mentor, educator, and public speaker on future technologies, entrepreneurship strategies, scientific exploration in Antarctica, aviation, and photography. He is a frequent panel reviewer and technology assessor for commercialization and investment merit, mentor for entrepreneurs, and has worked extensively with corporate, startup, government, and international groups. He holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration from University of Denver Daniels College of Business, a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Colorado at Boulder, and an FAA Private Pilot License (ASEL).
Ted McAleer has been working with Utah’s Startup community since 1999 and supports commercialization of innovation as the COO of VBGS and co-Founder and Board Chairman of Park City Angels. He recently accepted the role as the Regional Engagement Principal for Utah at the Defense Innovation Unit, a DoD program. Ted has held operational and leadership roles at a variety of startup companies including Braveheart Wireless, NexGen Materials and as the first Managing Director of PandoLabs, a business incubator and accelerator based in Park City, Utah. Ted’s innovation ecosystem work was kicked off as the 1st Executive Director of USTAR (Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative), the State of Utah’s signature technology-based economic development initiative. Prior to USTAR, Ted spent 5 years in a variety of leadership roles with Campus Pipeline, a Utah-based venture-backed EdTech startup that raised $80+ million during the “dot com” era.