US Navy’s Joel Uzarski, NavalX Director, to Keynote 2025 Navy Summit

The Potomac Officers Club is excited to announce Capt. Joel Uzarski, NavalX director, as a keynote speaker for the 2025 Navy Summit. The August 26 conference is an unrivaled opportunity to hear directly from a leader whose expertise and leadership is significantly contributing to advancing naval innovation. Learn more about Capt. Uzarski and secure your spot at this elite GovCon event.

Who Is Joel Uzarski?

Capt. Uzarski’s career has been defined by a dynamic understanding of both traditional and modern naval warfare. He has consistently championed the integration of new technologies into naval practices, recognizing the critical role they play in maintaining strategic superiority.

As the director of NavalX, Capt. Uzarski leads the application of innovation operations to develop, demonstrate and transition newly-invented—or recently discovered—technologies that address emerging and enduring operational problems in an accelerated timeframe. NavalX is focused on delivering disruptive capabilities that address operational problems within 5 years. He is responsible for creating smoother partnerships between the Naval Research and Development Establishment, or NR&DE, industry and academia.

Prior to becoming NavalX director, Capt. Uzarski served as the major program manager for all Aegis ballistic missile defense weapon systems at the Missile Defense Agency. He impressively spent time on various naval vessels as well as in multiple acquisition roles within the Department of Defense and Navy, mostly focusing on combat systems and weapons.

As a surface warfare officer, Capt. Uzarski served as commanding officer and executive officer of USS Ridley (DDG 101) in Everett, Washington. His previous sea duty had time on USS Fletcher (DD 992), USS McFaul (DDG 74) and USS Lake Erie (CG 70).

Capt. Uzarski’s shore tours included serving as major program manager for Aegis Ashore at MDA and as a fleet readiness officer in Program Executive Officer Integrated Warfare Systems 8.0, supporting all combat systems integration on littoral combat ships, Constellation-class frigates and large unmanned surface vessels. While at MDA headquarters, he served as executive officer to the deputy director and chief of staff for the Standard Missile-3 Block IIB missile program director.

Capt. Uzarski was the major program manager for all Aegis BMD weapon systems at MDA before becoming NavalX director. — Prior to becoming NavalX director, Capt. Uzarski served as the major program manager for all Aegis ballistic missile defense weapon systems at the Missile Defense Agency. Image: U.S. Navy

2025 Navy Summit Keynote Focus

Capt. Uzarski’s keynote at the 2025 Navy Summit will mark surpassing his first year of service as NavalX director. Attendees can expect to hear insightful remarks addressing NavalX priorities in 2025 and 2026, such as

A record number of new technology scans
Additional prize challenges
Better automation
Broader collaboration with both traditional and non-traditional partners

Defense GovCons attending the 2025 Navy Summit can also expect to hear the latest in innovative Navy efforts including an environmental buoy for Naval Special Warfare Group 4, or NSWG-4; a navigation solution for Task Force 59, or CTF-59; and shipboard weapons trailers for Military Sealift Command.

Attendees of the summit can attend illuminating keynotes and panel discussions featuring other leading naval officials, including:

Jane Rathbun, Navy chief information officer and Wash100 Award winner
Justin Fanelli, Navy chief technology officer
Cmdr. Jeremiah Daley, Navy military director, PACFLT N9WAR
And many more!

Why Attend the 2025 Navy Summit?

The 2025 Navy Summit will provide unmatched insights into the threats and opportunities facing the naval industry. This unique GovCon conference will help attendees better understand the intricacies of naval acquisition and how to best position their firms to benefit.

Areas of interest for the summit include:

Engaging with sponsoring companies that represent the best of the GovCon industry, including SAIC, Seekr, Exiger, ManTech, Fortress, Vultron and others
Panel discussions on critical naval emerging technologies, such as modernizing Navy IT for a unified ecosystem, optimizing Navy decision-making with generative AI, zero trust and beyond, and much more
Opportunities to meet and develop rapport with leading defense professionals and innovators

Use this extraordinary opportunity to learn directly from leaders like Capt. Uzarski at the 2025 Navy Summit. Mark your calendar for August 26 and position your GovCon company for improved bottom lines in the naval marketplace. Register now for this must-attend GovCon event for defense contracting professionals.