Michael Pagels began his career as a software engineer in the early days of personal computing. He designed and developed two games to modest success. Then entered the office automation world, for companies few will now recall. Gaining his Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Arizona, he spent the following 20 years providing cutting-edge solutions to image processing, information exploitation, and battle management challenges. Then to DARPA as a Program Manager in 2005-2011, starting and executing multiple programs. Returning to industry, Dr. Pagels was a VP of Engineering and Chief Technology Officer before joining the Space Development Agency as Chief of the Battle Management Command, Control and Communications cell, and Chief Information Officer for Mission Systems.