These 5 Defense Industry Execs Are Leading the Charge for Golden Dome

President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill was just signed into law, and with it came nearly $25 billion in funding for the Golden Dome missile defense initiative. The significance of this for the GovCon industry cannot be overstated. There’s only one place to go for GovCon execs looking to get a leg up in the race for Golden Dome contract opportunities: the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31.

The event will bring together leaders across government, military and private sectors. Among its most compelling highlights is the Golden Dome all-industry panel—a session where elite professionals will converge to share innovative insights, discuss challenges and shape the future of aerospace and defense. Register here for this unmissable event!

The first-of-its-kind panel promises to provide attendees with a rare opportunity to hear from a lineup of distinguished speakers whose expertise spans critical areas of the aerospace sector. And after the panel has concluded, there will be a keynote speech from Golden Dome top brass Gen. Michael Guetlein, the vice chief of space operations at the U.S. Space Force and a Wash100 Award winner.

Here’s an inside look at the speakers you can expect during the panel and the vital perspectives they’ll bring to the table.

Who Are the GovCon Industry Leaders in Golden Dome?

Kenneth Bedingfield

Senior vice president, chief financial officer & president of Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris Technologies (Moderator)

Kenneth Bedingfield brings over three decades of industry and financial leadership to the Golden Dome panel. As L3Harris SVP and CFO, as well as president of Aerojet Rocketdyne, Bedingfield directs financial strategy and operational performance for one of the sector’s most critical defense and aerospace portfolios. His extensive background—spanning roles at Epirus and Northrop Grumman—equips him to guide the panel in a robust discussion about building resilient business models and driving value across the industry.

Cameron Holt

President, strategic markets, Exiger

Retired U.S. Air Force Major General Cameron Holt is renowned for his transformational impact on defense acquisition and supply chain risk management. Now president of strategic markets at Exiger, he leverages deep expertise in scaling and deploying cutting-edge AI solutions for supply chain security across the U.S. government and defense industrial base. His 32 years in service, including oversight of a vast contracting portfolio for the Air and Space Forces, make him a pivotal voice on the panel for driving strategic innovation and risk mitigation.

John Otto

Deputy president, Raytheon Advanced Technology

John Otto oversees advanced technology strategy and innovation at Raytheon, where he advances integrated air and missile defense, space-based systems, hypersonics and effectors. With nearly three decades of experience in defense, Otto is recognized for his role in developing hypersonic weapon systems and leading cross-domain technology integration. His insights will inform the panel’s examination of technology innovation and cross-industry collaboration for national defense.

Jerome Dunn

Vice president, Booz Allen

Jerome Dunn serves as VP at Booz Allen, where he is chief architect for the Brilliant Swarms concept and deputy Golden Dome campaign lead. Dunn has extensive leadership experience in defense technology development at Booz Allen, Northrop Grumman and DARPA, with a proven track record of delivering advanced command and control, integrated air and missile defense, and hypersonics solutions. Dunn’s background ensures that the panel explores the intersection of technology architecture and operational effectiveness.

Dr. William Conley

Chief technology officer, Mercury Systems

As CTO of Mercury Systems, Dr. William Conley steers technology vision and innovation for secure sensor and processing solutions in aerospace and defense. With experience as director for electronic warfare in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and as a former DARPA program manager, Dr. Conley brings a unique perspective on bridging advanced commercial technology with defense applications. His contributions to the panel will highlight how technological foresight accelerates integrated defense capabilities and resilience.

What Sets the Golden Dome Panel Apart 

The strength of the Golden Dome panel lies in the versatility of its speakers—each bringing unmatched expertise from their respective domains. This blend of perspectives will facilitate a meaningful discussion on the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in aerospace today. 

Unlike traditional discussions that stick solely to technical or operational topics, this panel is designed to bridge the divide between policy, technology and business. The speakers will examine how these forces intersect, offering a unified vision for a resilient and innovative industry ecosystem. 

Why You Should Attend the Year’s Top Air and Space GovCon Conference

For professionals, decision-makers and stakeholders within aerospace and defense, the Golden Dome panel offers unparalleled value. Here’s why you should add it to the top of your agenda at the Air and Space Summit: 

• Insightful thought leadership

The panelists are not just leaders in their fields—they are visionaries shaping the future of aerospace in tangible and measurable ways. Their expertise will provide actionable takeaways to help your organization thrive in an era of rapid transformation.

• Networking opportunities 

The session’s interactive format and the Q&A segment will allow participants to engage directly with panelists, ensuring a robust exchange of ideas. 

• Broader strategic perspectives 

By addressing topics such as environmental sustainability, supply chain resilience and regulatory evolution, the Golden Dome panel will provide a panoramic view of the trends reshaping the industry. 

Join the Golden Dome GovCon Conversation 

Innovation and collaboration begin with informed dialogue—and the Golden Dome all-industry panel is the perfect forum to ignite meaningful change. Be a part of this critical conversation on July 31 at the 2025 Air and Space Summit, hosted by the Potomac Officers Club. Whether you are seeking to expand your knowledge, build strategic partnerships, or gain insights into the forces driving industry transformation, this panel will deliver exceptional value. 

Mark your calendar and secure your spot—you don’t want to miss this peerless GovCon event!