- Wash100 award winner Lauren Knausenberger has been named chief business officer of Defense Unicorns
- Knausenberger most recently served as SAIC’s executive vice president and chief innovation officer
- Her new responsibilities will include expanding Defense Unicorns’ national security market presence
National security software provider Defense Unicorns announced Tuesday that three-time Wash100 award winner Lauren Knausenberger has joined the organization as chief business officer.
At Defense Unicorns, Knausenberger will focus on shaping the company’s growth trajectory, building out key partnerships and broadening its footprint across the national security landscape.
What Are Lauren Knausenberger’s Professional Credentials?
Before this appointment, Knausenberger served as executive vice president and chief innovation officer at SAIC. In that capacity, she guided strategic direction, artificial intelligence-based transformation initiatives, rapid capability efforts, technology partnerships and the company’s venture arm.
Earlier in her career, as chief information officer of the Department of the Air Force, Knausenberger oversaw enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and data and AI functions, supporting a workforce of roughly 20,000 cyber personnel worldwide and managing a technology portfolio worth approximately $17 billion. Her tenure included efforts to scale cloud infrastructure, implement continuous software delivery practices, streamline security accreditation, expand access to digital learning, and lay the groundwork for zero-trust architecture and AI integration across a modernized, software-driven force.
Knausenberger holds a board seat at Enersys, serves on the AFCEA Executive Committee and advises private capital firms investing in defense technology.
What Did Officials Say About Knausenberger’s Appointment?
Knausenberger said Defense Unicorns as building the kind of infrastructure required to get software and AI capabilities into the hands of warfighters and decision-makers precisely when needed.
“I’ve already seen their software save lives, save money, and save…time that can go to other parts of critical missions,” she remarked. “I’m excited to help scale that impact and support the team as it builds the software foundation for the future of defense, and even more excited to do it with this exceptional and fun group of unicorns.”
Rob Slaughter, chief executive officer of Defense Unicorns, said Knausenberger’s blend of technical knowledge, leadership experience and dedication to mission outcomes positions her well to support the company during a period of expansion. “She understands the urgency facing our mission customers and the role software and AI can play in helping them move faster, operate more securely, and deliver greater mission impact. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team and look forward to the leadership and perspective she will bring,” Slaughter said.
