theGROUP, a Washington DC-based strategy, policy and communications consulting firm announced today that D. Michael Bennett is joining as Contributing Principal.
An expert in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and organizational transformation, Bennett has worked for and counseled some of America’s largest defense contractors as well as established and emerging technology companies. He also has deep connections at the federal and local levels with policymakers and industry leaders.
Bennett was the Chief Information Officer at BAE Systems Inc. where he was responsible for development and implementation of IT strategy, policy and security. He also served in several other senior positions at BAE Systems where he managed the company’s cyberspace business. Bennett worked for two other major defense contractors as well, Northrup Grumman and EDS Corporation.
Bennett has been nominated to serve on the U.S. Postal Service’s Board of Governors. He received unanimous support from the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs and is currently awaiting final confirmation by the U.S. Senate as a whole.
“Emerging and evolving technologies, as well as cybersecurity, affect nearly every client with which we work,” said Art Collins, Managing Partner of theGROUP. “We expect significant policy activity as individuals, companies and governments grapple with national security, intellectual property protections, and privacy issues.”
“Michael has tremendous experience, having served in the C-suite for one of the world’s largest defense contractors, as well as his experience in M&A and as a practicing attorney,” Collins added. “He is uniquely positioned to offer principal-level counsel to our clients at the intersection of policy, commerce, evolving threat environments, and technology.”
Bennett is a sought-after advisor, lecturer and consultant. A recipient of the Washington Business Journal’s 2012 Minority Business Leader Award, Bennett chairs the Board of Directors of Manna Inc., a DC real estate development firm, and is the Executive Vice President of Evans and Chambers Technologies. He also serves as senior advisor to companies with new and emerging technology and is on the Board of Advisors of a venture capital firm focused on companies with innovative technologies around big data applications. Bennett is a visiting Professor at Howard University and is chair of the Duke University Alumni Association in Washington, DC.
About theGROUP
theGROUP is a Washington, D.C.-based strategy, policy and communications consulting firm with deep experience at the highest levels of government, politics, and business. theGROUP’s team brings years of proven leadership to craft winning engagement strategies, overcome crises, and create diverse conversations that change outcomes for our clients. More information can be found at http://thegroupdc.com/.
