Executive Leadership Team

President & CEO

Keenan Ward founded Forward Engineering, LLC in 2022 and currently serves as its President and CEO. Mr. Ward oversees a wide range of daily operations and providing strategic direction to help guide his company through critical growth phases.

Mr. Ward is leading the agile digital transformation of Systems Engineering Technical Assistance and Support Services, driving innovation in technology development, systems integration, testing, production, and sustainment across the Air, Space, and Sea domains. His team excels in program and systems integration, utilizing deep technical expertise and strategic vision to break down "Stovepipes" and effectively bridge the gap between complex requirements and successful project outcomes. Mr. Ward’s leadership is underscored by his proven track record of cultivating trusted partnerships with key stakeholders, including Department of Defense (DoD) officials, Program Executive Offices (PEOs), Program Management Offices (PMOs), and Major defense contractors. His ability to align and unify diverse teams and resources guarantees the successful delivery of complex defense systems.

Before founding Forward Engineering LLC, Mr. Ward had a distinguished career that blended both military service and DoD contracting. Mr. Ward dedicated over 30 years to the United States Navy, where he served as an Aerospace Engineering Naval Officer. His extensive military service laid a solid foundation that has played a key role in his success as a DoD contactor. Mr. Ward served more than 20 years at Northrop Grumman Corporation. He made significant contributions to the company's technical and programmatic leadership in the acquisition, development and delivery of advanced technologies, particularly in the area of Software-Defined Radios, Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Navigation (NAV), Communications (COM), and Radar/Electronic Warfare (Radar/EW). His work was instrumental in delivering innovative capabilities that supported the U.S Air, Space, and Sea Commands. With his extensive background in both military service and the private sector, Mr. Ward is widely regarded as a leader in Aerospace and Defense, driving impactful solutions by successfully bridging the gap between complex technological advancements, mission-critical applications and practical war fighting.

Education & Certifications:

Master of Science in Systems Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, San Diego State University
Certificate in System Architecture (Model Base Systems Engineering), Stevens Institute of Technology
Aerospace Project Management, California Institute of Technology
Airworthiness Certification, NAVAIR 4.0p
Certified Defense Acquisition Professional
DAU Certified Level II in Systems Engineering, Test and Evaluation

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