- Oberc began her GDMS career in 2009 as a photonics engineer
- She most recently led the network and communication systems business
- Oberc previously worked at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
General Dynamics Mission Systems has appointed Rachel Oberc as vice president and general manager of space, cyber and intelligence systems, succeeding Amy Johnson, who has become president of General Dynamics Information Technology. The company announced Oberc’s appointment Tuesday in a LinkedIn post.
Oberc returns to the space, cyber and intelligence systems domain following a series of engineering and leadership roles at GDMS, where she most recently supported the defense contractor’s land and air systems portfolio.
Who Is Rachel Oberc?
Oberc is a defense technology executive with more than 16 years of service at GDMS. She most recently served as VP of network and communication systems, leading a $250 million business covering tactical networking, resilient communications, radio products, assured positioning, navigation and timing, and mission planning.
Before that, she was director of strategy and business development for radio frequency products and director of the company’s telecommunications products business. She also served as a senior program manager overseeing the restricted telecommunications products business segment and the Manatee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity portfolio.
When she returned to GDMS in 2012, Oberc served as an advanced engineer, focusing on optical communications systems integration and testing. She initially joined the company in 2009 as a photonics engineer, contributing to the development of photonic and optical communications technologies for defense applications before leaving in 2011.
Oberc worked as an associate professional staff member at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory from 2010 to 2012 and as a microelectronics engineer at the Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering. She also served as a biomedical research engineer at the University of Maryland.
What Is Amy Johnson’s New Role?
Amy Johnson succeeded Amy Gilliland as GDIT president following Gilliland’s departure in October. A nine-time Wash100 Award winner, Gilliland served as president for nine years and was with the company for 21 years.
Paul Nedzbala, GDIT’s senior vice president and chief business officer, was appointed as interim head of the organization on Oct. 2. He joined the company through the 2018 CSRA acquisition and previously led GDIT’s federal civilian division.
Johnson had led GDMS’ space, cyber and intelligence systems division since July 2024, overseeing more than 2,500 employees. She joined GDMS as a software engineer in 1999 and later served as vice president for defense electronics and deputy general manager of land and air systems.
General Dynamics CEO Phebe Novakovic, a nine-time Wash100 Award winner, said Johnson has a record of leading teams through complex technical challenges. Novakovic is also set to step down as CEO, with President Danny Deep scheduled to succeed her in January 2027.
What Other Leadership Moves Has GDMS Made?
GDMS promoted Ron Moore, previously deputy CIO, to vice president of IT and chief information officer in February. Moore joined the company in 2015 from Ernst & Young and was expected to continue serving as chief information security officer until a successor was named.
In January, Chris Jaeger rejoined GDMS as VP of cross business and strategic initiatives after more than three decades in federal service, including time at the CIA and the State Department. He previously served as a senior director in the space, cyber and intelligence business line from 2022 to 2024.
