Harnessing Technology & Innovation
Mark Kennedy has advanced technology and innovation across business, government, and academia—shaping institutions to thrive in a digital-first era. From launching AI-focused research centers to guiding national technology policy and fostering student access to high-demand STEM degrees, his leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to strategic tech adoption, industry collaboration, and the transformative potential of innovation.
🎓 University of Colorado (CU) 2019-2021
📚 Student Degrees
- Championed the University of Colorado’s efforts to address the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- 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
- Supported CU’s successful bid to host one of only five NSF AI Research Institutes.
- Collaborated with NVIDIA and CU Anschutz to explore digital twin applications in healthcare.
🖥️ Enterprise IT
- Launched the Transformation and Innovation Program (TIP) to modernize CU’s IT systems and services.
- Focused on enhancing student services, data-informed decision-making, and administrative efficiency.
🤝 Industry / Military Collaboration
- Collaborated with NVIDIA and CU Anschutz on a digital twin project for hospital operating rooms.
- Launched the President’s Space and Defense Council to strengthen ties with the aerospace sector.
- Engaged regularly with Colorado’s growing aerospace industry, including workforce initiatives and policy collaboration.
- Selected for the U.S. Space Force University Partnership Program
🚀 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
- Expanded UND’s online presence and digital learning infrastructure to regional leadership.
- Promoted use of flexible delivery models to reach nontraditional learners.
🔬 Research
- Launched the Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS), positioning UND as a national leader in autonomous technology.
- 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.
- In 2018 facilitated the first successful ‘beyond visual line of sight’ drone test using a multi-use, broad-purpose network
🎓 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.
- Offered one of GW’s first MOOCs, second only to former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke.
💻 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.
⚡ National & Global Technology Policy 2022 - Present
Director - Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition (Wilson Center)
- Delivered addresses at Harvard and the AI Action Summit in Paris focused on AI’s global implications.
- Submitted to the Office of Science and Technology Policy in response to a RFI seeking input on US AI Action Plan
📜 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.
- Led the implementation of two ERP systems, including one that later became a standalone company purchased by Oracle.
- Held global executive roles at Accenture, gaining deep exposure to emerging technologies and international digital transformation strategies.
🚀 Accelerating Innovation
- Led CU and UND initiatives that helped secure competitive R&D distinctions, including NSF AI Research Institutes and uncrewed systems leadership.
- Partnered with industry giants like NVIDIA, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics.
- Served on board of biotech-focused Fitzsimons Innovation Community.
🌐 National Policy Thought Leader
- Founder of the Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition at the Wilson Center.
- Provided national AI policy input to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
- Presented at Harvard and AI Action Summit in Paris.
💼 Technology in Practice
- Oversaw global IT operations in business roles.
- Led two ERP implementations—one in collaboration with Accenture, now part of Oracle.
- Former global executive at Accenture—described as a “master’s in technology through real-world leadership.”