Herndon AI tech firm names new CEO

Herndon-based artificial intelligence tech company Geospark Analytics announced Thursday that company President Amanda Brownfield has been promoted to CEO after being with Geospark for only six months.

Brownfield succeeds Geospark founder and CEO Omar Balkinssoon, who will serve as executive chairman of the board and a strategic adviser to the company.

“I look forward to remaining actively engaged with Geospark Analytics, its partners and customers, and supporting Amanda in her new role as CEO,” Balkissoon said in a statement. One thing I’ve learned over the years is how to play to peoples’ strengths — my own and the teams I’ve built. I’m at my best when I’m inspiring new ideas and pushing the technological envelope. Transitioning from startup to scale-up requires a hardened set of skills and Amanda has that in spades. This move comes at a natural time for me as I also look to support other emerging tech founders, developing the next generation of imaginative minds as part of Georgia Tech’s CREATE-X program.”

Before joining Geospark Analytics in March, Brownfield served as TASC’s, then Engility’s, senior vice president of national intelligence for six years until its acquisition by Science Applications International Corp. 

Founded in 2017, Geospark Analytics provides health, travel safety, transportation, disaster, crime, conflict, unrest and terrorism event modeling through artificial intelligence. The U.S. Space Force recently awarded the company (which is backed by General Catalyst and Zero Gravity Capital) a $100 million contract.

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