CHICAGO – March 17, 2025 – Sikich, a Chicago-based leading global technology-enabled professional services company, announced today that Ken Squires, principal, has been named Vice Chair of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Cyber-Augmented Operations (CAO) Division, effective March 1, 2025. NDIA will draw on Squires’s expertise in Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Readiness, Security and Compliance within the defense industrial base and government sectors.
The NDIA CAO Division focuses on advancing key technology areas, including:
- Human Augmentation & Replacement – AI, Machine Learning, Algorithmic Data Analytics and Autonomy.
- Human-Machine Teaming – Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Command & Control/Battle Management (C2/BM) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI).
- Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) – EMSO C2/BM, Electronic Warfare-Cyber Operations (EW-Cyber Ops) and Spectrum Agility & Management.
- Cyber-Enabled Process Innovation – Additive Manufacturing, Acquisition & Business Process Optimization and Logistics & Sustainment.
Squires will play a key role in shaping discussions around cybersecurity, compliance and risk management strategies within the CAO Division. His contributions will ensure that these critical elements are prioritized and effectively integrated into the broader defense and security landscape.
“The Cyber-Augmented Operations Division is at the forefront of harnessing cutting-edge cyber technologies to enhance military capabilities,” said Squires. “Drawing from my service in the Marine Corps, I am honored to continue supporting these critical efforts by collaborating with stakeholders across government, defense and private industry, especially in securing and strengthening the Defense Industrial Base supply chain.”
The CAO Division’s mission is to leverage cyber-related technologies, including high-speed processing, agile spectrum electronics and advanced information algorithms, to accelerate automation and tactical advantages in military operations. As technological advancements continue to reveal new applications for cyber capabilities, the division will play a critical role in exploring their potential beyond support for intelligence and traditional military functions.
About Sikich
Sikich is a Chicago-based global company specializing in technology-enabled professional services. With approximately 1,900 employees, Sikich draws on a diverse portfolio of technology solutions to deliver transformative digital strategies. From corporations and not-for-profits to state and local governments and federal agencies, Sikich clients utilize a broad spectrum of services and products to help them improve performance and achieve long-term, strategic goals.
Sikich practices in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Professional Code of Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Sikich CPA LLC is a licensed CPA firm that provides audit and attest services to its clients, and Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries provide tax and business advisory services to its clients. Sikich CPA LLC has a contractual arrangement with Sikich LLC under which Sikich LLC supports Sikich CPA LLC’s performance of its professional services. Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries are not licensed CPA firms.
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