Kevin Keaton is co-founder, chief investment officer, and chief information security officer of Red Cell Partners. He also serves as the Director of Innovation for the National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF). Previously, he served as the National Security Agency’s (NSA) first chief of innovation, where he strengthened the Agency’s innovation culture, reduced risk, and increased organizational agility.
Keaton began his career in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and spent more than 30 years at the NSA, leading advances in intelligence sharing and signals intelligence support. He directed the NSA’s Discovery and Computer Sciences Research organizations, developing innovative capabilities in big data, analytics, and human language technology.
A computer scientist and recognized leader in national security and technology, Keaton has received the Dr. Louis Tordella Award, the Presidential Rank Award, and the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in business with a concentration in information technology management from Johns Hopkins University.