Leadership Team

Tom Vecchiolla

President and Chief Executive, QinetiQ US

Tom Vecchiolla serves as President and Chief Executive of QinetiQ US, leading the company's mission to deliver innovative defense and national security solutions to U.S. government customers.

A distinguished leader with extensive defense and security expertise, Tom brings over three decades of experience across military service, public sector, and industry leadership roles. He began his career as a U.S. Navy pilot and DoD acquisition professional, serving with distinction for 22 years. Tom also served in public service as a National Security and Military Affairs Advisor on the U.S. Senate staff.

In the private sector, Tom spent 15 years at Raytheon Technologies Corporation (RTX), where he rose to become President of Raytheon International Inc., overseeing the company's global operations. His leadership was instrumental in driving international growth and fostering strategic partnerships worldwide. He subsequently assumed responsibility as president and chief executive office of ST Engineering North America responsible for all US operations of a diverse industrial and technology portfolio.

Prior to assuming his current role, Tom served on the QinetiQ US Special Security Agreement (SSA) Board, providing strategic guidance and oversight to ensure compliance with national security requirements while advancing the company's mission.

Tom brings to QinetiQ US a proven track record of building high-performing teams and delivering innovative solutions to address complex national security challenges. His unique combination of military service, government experience, and industry leadership positions him to drive QinetiQ US's continued growth and technological advancement in support of our nation's defense and security priorities.

Tom earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California. He maintains his certifications as a general aviation pilot and is a recipient of the prestigious Washington 100 Award, recognizing executives who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, innovation, and vision in the government contracting community.

Daniela Walrath

Chief People Officer

Daniela Walrath serves as Chief People Officer for QinetiQ US, where she is responsible for streamlining core business operations while delivering exceptional organizational results.

Daniela has more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources with large organizations such as Acuity International, Northrup Grumman, CSRA, and Lockheed Martin. She has expertise across a multitude of operational functions including human capital, compensation, change management, organizational design, mergers and acquisitions, and leadership development. Daniela has led several HR organizations in initiatives including compensation, benefits, performance management, HR business partner support, employee and labor relations, talent management and succession planning, talent acquisition, and workforce strategies.

Daniela holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Human Resources, and Labor Relations from the University of Maryland and is a member of the Society of Human Resources and the National Association of Professional Women.

David Harrison

Vice President, Operations & Enterprise Services

David Harrison serves as the Vice President of Operations & Enterprise Services. In this role he leads functional business operations - Information Technology, Security, Cyber, Environnmental Health & Safety, and Real Estate & Facilities.

David is a strategic Technology Executive with subject matter expertise in digital transformation, enterprise capability delivery, and enterprise service excellence. With more than 15 years of experience in leading functional organizations and programs, his delivers capabilities aligned to business needs to elevate organizational performance. In his most recent work with Northrop Grumman, David led large-scale digital initiatives / portfolios, and IT operational organizations that consistently delivered predictable business results.

David earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Delaware with a concentration in international business. He holds a certificate in project management from University of California, Irvine, a certificate in facility management from George Mason University, and a certificate in Executive Strategy from Chicago Booth.

Colleen Campbell

Vice President of Marketing & Communications

Colleen Campbell leads marketing and communications for QinetiQ US. She has more than 20 years of experience in strategic communication, integrated marketing, and reputation management.

Colleen most recently served as the Chief Marketing Officer of Maxar Technologies (Maxar), a leading space technology and intelligence company. She oversaw all global marketing and communications strategy to include executive communications, internal communications, media relations, marketing initiatives, digital strategy, and corporate reputation management. Her marketing and communications strategies focused on business growth, customer retention, new market development, employee engagement, and Maxar remaining an employer of choice for top talent.

Prior to Maxar, Colleen served as Vice President of Alion Science and Technology, a leading defense contractor specializing in AI, C5ISR, Electronic Warfare, Cyber and LVC Solutions. She oversaw all marketing, advertising, enterprise communications, talent acquisition communications, executive communications, sponsorships and events as well as media relations for all five of Alion’s business groups.

As Director of Digital Strategy and Integrated Communications at Northrop Grumman Corporation, she was responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of enterprise communications to include global advertising, marketing, digital strategy and talent acquisition communications. She developed messaging, advertising, social media and branding strategies as well as leveraged new technologies to ensure that key messages were communicated in immersive and compelling ways. She served on the Corporate Communications Council, providing issues management and digital transformation guidance to C-Suite executives.

Colleen also has a deep background in strategic communications consulting and public affairs. She worked at some of the world’s leading public relations and public affairs firms for 15 years prior to her in-house roles.

Colleen has a bachelor’s degree in Political Communications from George Washington University and a master’s degree in Communication, Culture and Technology from Georgetown University. She completed MIT’s Big Data and Social Analytics certification. She is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society and is a former advisory member for the Institute of Public Relations Measurement Commission, which aims to develop and promote standards and best practices for research, measurement, and analytics that contribute to ethical, strategic, and effective public relations.

Brendan Hess

Vice President, Operational Excellence

Brendan Hess joined the QinetiQ US leadership team to serve as the Vice President of Operational Excellence. Brendan is responsible for guiding Change Management, Program Excellence, and Process Improvement across the QinetiQ US enterprise.

Before joining QinetiQ US, Brendan served as a non-commissioned officer and Counterintelligence Special Agent in the US Army. After government service, he entered industry with Booz Allen Hamilton, where he held various positions spanning from client delivery to program management. Brendan ventured on to Far Ridgeline Engagements (FRLE) as their regional business manager and then Chief Executive Officer. He led corporate direction, strategic goal design, capability development and was responsible for organizing and enabling the company’s products, services, and workforce before leading FRLE through QinetiQ US’ acquisition in 2022. His experiences and passion revolve around strategy, mentorship, and process improvement; “Start from a position of do the right thing, then work on how to do it the right way”.

Brendan holds a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from Liberty University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Florida.

Charles Fielden

Executive Vice President and General Manager, Intelligence & Mission Services

As Executive Vice President and General Manager, Intelligence & Mission Services, Charles Fielden brings to QinetiQ US more than 25 years of experience and an impeccable track record of supporting the intelligence community customers, commercial industry and military partners around the globe.

Prior to joining QinetiQ US, Fielden was most recently the CEO of a proprietary LLC where he led a transformation of the company culture, leading to 90% positive responses in employee surveys while improving profitability. He also spent more than 15 years at Northrop Grumman Corporation, where he grew their cyber and intelligence portfolio, winning multiple $100+ million contracts and gaining deep knowledge and trust with customers.

Fielden earned his Bachelor of Science in Global Studies from University of Washington. He also holds an MBA from George Mason University, and an Associates in Korean Language.

Buck Elton

Executive Vice President and General Manager of Defense Modernization

Buck Elton serves as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Defense Modernization Business Unit at QinetiQ US, where he is responsible for delivering mission focused results, leading continued growth, and integrating capabilities across business units. Buck previously served as the Senior Vice President of Defense Modernization Division with QinetiQ and Avantus Federal.

In 2020, Buck retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Major General after serving over 31 years and has extensive experience working at the senior levels of DoD, U.S. Government Agencies and with International Partners. He served as the J-3 Director of Operations at U.S. Special Operations Command, as the Commander of all U.S. and NATO Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan, the Deputy Director of Special Operations and Counterterrorism on the Joint Staff J-37, the Deputy Commanding General of Joint Special Operations Command and the Director of Resources and Requirements at Air Force Special Operations Command A5/8.

He was a Command Pilot with 4,300 flying hours in MC-130, C-130 and MQ-1 aircraft, commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels, and commanded joint special operations forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Haiti.

Buck holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle University.