Harnessing Technology & Innovation
Mark Kennedy has advanced technology and innovation across business, government, and academia—shaping institutions and equipping individuals to thrive in a digital-first era. In business, he sponsored a software startup that was later acquired by Oracle. In Congress, he championed broadband expansion, supported increased federal investment in scientific research and STEM education, and advanced digital adoption in key sectors including healthcare and manufacturing. In academia, he launched digital boot camps at George Washington University and established an autonomous systems research institute at the University of North Dakota. During his tenure as president, the University of Colorado was awarded one of the National Science Foundation’s first AI Research Institutes. From empowering students and workers with digital skills to helping shape national technology policy, Kennedy’s work reflects a lifelong commitment to the transformative potential of innovation.
⚡ National & Global Technology Policy 2022 - Present
Director - Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition (originally at the Wilson Center)
🎓 University of Colorado (CU) 2019-2021
📚 Student Degrees
- Encouraged development of new degrees and credentials to prepare students for careers in AI, data science, and health technology.
💻 Online Learning
- Unified CU’s four campuses around a coordinated online strategy.
- Advocated for investment in infrastructure and governance to support scalable digital learning.
🔬 Research
- Collaborated with NVIDIA and CU Anschutz to explore digital twin applications in healthcare.
🖥️ Enterprise IT
- Focused on enhancing student services, data-informed decision-making, and administrative efficiency.
🤝 Industry / Military Collaboration
- Collaborated with NVIDIA and CU Anschutz discussing a digital twin project for hospital operating rooms.
- Engaged regularly with Colorado’s growing aerospace industry, including workforce initiatives and policy collaboration.
🚀 Innovation & Incubators
- Supported CU Innovations at Anschutz, a leading hub for biomedical and biotech commercialization.
- Promoted innovation through entrepreneurship centers and technology transfer initiatives at CU Boulder.
- Served on the board of the Fitzsimons Innovation Community, a biotechnology park supporting startup growth.
🎖️ Distinctions
- Home to five Nobel Laureates,
- Ranked #1 among public universities in NASA and NOAA funding.
- Hosts JILA, a top global institute for quantum physics (in collaboration with NIST).
- LASP has built instruments sent to every planet and Pluto.
🎓 University of North Dakota (UND) 2016-2019
📚 Student Degrees
- Added cybersecurity and analytics degrees, available both on campus and online.
- Championed new curricular offerings to support workforce needs in technology and national security.
💻 Online Learning
- Promoted use of flexible delivery models to reach nontraditional learners.
🔬 Research
- Provided internal funding to advance AI, IoT, and unmanned systems research across disciplines.
🖥️ Enterprise IT
- Upgraded UND’s website and implemented a modern Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) platform.
- Enhanced technological support for students, faculty, and staff.
🤝 Industry Collaboration
- Fostered partnerships with Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, and Rockwell Collins.
🚀 Innovation & Incubators
- Elevated UND’s Center for Innovation, expanding support for startups and student entrepreneurs.
- Attracted national recognition for entrepreneurship programs and commercialization support.
🎖️ Distinctions
- Launched the nation’s first uncrewed aerospace degree, leading in autonomous aviation education.
🎓 George Washington University (GSPM) 2012-2016
📚 Student Degrees
- Secured major university investment to expand the digital reach of the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM).
- Introduced digital boot camps to ensure GSPM graduates were familar with latest digital tools.
💻 Online Learning
- Introduced optional on-campus weekends for online students in conjunction with the digital boot camp and other special event.
- Launched GW’s first Spanish-language degree online with short DC residiencies.
🔬 Research
- Established programs focused on big data, digital engagement, and the future of civic technology.
🤝 Industry Collaboration
- Partnered with leading digital vendors to deliver Digital Boot Camps, building workforce-ready skills for students.
📜 Congressional Tech & STEM Leadership 2001-2007
- Doubled NIH research funding
- Championed STEM education and workforce development through expanded community college partnerships and technology training grants.
- Cosponsored the Health IT Promotion Act and funded expansion of electronic health records.
- Cosponsored the Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act, supporting technology grants and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
🏢 Business Career 2007-10 and before 2000
- Oversaw IT operations in multiple executive roles.
- Held global executive roles at Accenture, gaining deep exposure to emerging technologies and international digital transformation strategies.