Jeff Watts, Lead Solutions Architect, brings over four decades of experience in IT and cybersecurity. He began his career in 1982, supporting DoD contractors in the aerospace industry, working on multiple roles within the Space Shuttle project at Vandenberg AFB, CA. In 1988, Jeff joined the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Warfare Technician, where he designed custom RADAR emitter databases, developed training systems for Combat Systems, and served as an instructor. He was proudly initiated as Chief Petty Officer in 1996 and transitioned to civilian life in 1998, moving to Virginia to support Inova Medical Group, managing a 450-node Novell/NT network.

In 2000, Jeff returned to DoD contracting, initially supporting the Marine Corps Network Operations and Security Command (MCNOSC) and later working on Certification and Accreditation (C&A) and the Cyber Solutions team. He was key in conducting vulnerability assessments, managing Information Assurance (IA) risk, and drafting secure policies for WiFi, Firewalls, VPNs, and remote access. 

A specialist in the Assessment and Authorization (A&A) process, Jeff has extensive experience securing and accrediting both IT and Operational Technology (OT) systems. His expertise has led to him being invited to present at major conferences, including those sponsored by the NSA, DoD, AFCEA, and CISA. He is the chief architect behind RPI's accredited solution, securing ICS/OT devices across installations and earning a "Type" Authority to Operate/Authority to Connect for ICS/OT onboard Camp Lejeune, NC. Jeff currently leads RPI's research and development efforts for emerging technologies such as OT, IoT, and 5G, all of which aim to enhance critical infrastructure and cybersecurity resilience.

Outside of his professional achievements, Jeff has been married to the love of his life for over 37 years. Together, they have two grown daughters, a son-in-law, and a granddaughter who brings immense joy to their lives. Jeff enjoys going on adventures with his family, fishing, spending time on his tractor, listening to music on his vintage stereo, and hosting impromptu dance parties with his granddaughter.