MICAH CARLSON, C.E.O.
Micah is the Chief Executive Officer at Defense Architecture Systems Incorporated. With over 28 years of experience in the development of integrated systems for the defense and commercial markets, Mr. Carlson brings technical leadership and corporate guidance to the DAS team and its customers. Micah provides oversight for business operations across a broad range of customer-focused programs, with a focus on the development of operations that apply technical solutions to simplify operations, streamline user experience and provide mission-tailored solutions.
Mr. Carlson received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and his Master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University. Prior to founding DAS in 2010, Micah worked for the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory for over 14 years. While there, he led a team of over 30 researchers and engineers in the areas of mechanical, electrical, software and systems studies with additional programs focused on sensor development and evaluation. Mr. Carlson holds over 10 patents in a variety of detection technologies, has authored multiple refereed publications, and continues to apply key expertise in the application of emerging technology to streamline operations in both civilian and military markets.
GERAD House, Managing director
Gerad House brings over 23 years of experience in engineering, program management, and technical leadership to his role as Managing Director at Defense Architecture Systems Incorporated (DAS). He oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring that DAS’s resources, processes, and culture align with the company’s vision and core values. His leadership is focused on delivering mission-ready solutions that meet the evolving needs of DAS’s defense and intelligence customers.
Prior to his current role, Gerad served as Director of Engineering at DAS, where he built and refined the company’s engineering processes and led the development and production of highly reliable sensor systems. His efforts were instrumental in shaping DAS’s technical foundation and cultivating a high-performing engineering team capable of delivering complex electromechanical solutions.
Before joining DAS, Gerad was a Senior Professional Staff Engineer in the Asymmetric Operations Sector at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. His work included developing, testing, and integrating multi-sensor systems for infrastructure protection, force protection, and intelligence applications. He has extensive experience managing the development and integration of emerging sensor technologies to maintain state-of-the-art detection capabilities against emerging threats.
In addition to his technical expertise, Gerad has over 15 years of program management experience, including proposal generation, contract oversight, and cross-functional team leadership. He works closely with DAS’s engineering, operations, and business development teams to ensure that every system meets or exceeds customer expectations—technically, operationally, and strategically.
Robert plemons, Director OF ENGINEERING
Robert Plemons brings nearly two decades of experience in advanced sensor systems, CBRNE detection, and mission-focused technology development to his role as Director of Engineering at Defense Architecture Systems Incorporated (DAS). He leads DAS’s engineering team in the design, prototyping, and production of secure, high-performance electromechanical systems tailored to defense and homeland security applications.
Robert has led multidisciplinary engineering efforts across the full development lifecycle, from concept and requirements analysis to factory acceptance and field deployment. He is deeply involved in establishing rigorous quality control protocols, ensuring that DAS technologies meet demanding operational and certification standards. His leadership includes developing and implementing structured training programs to elevate engineering staff capabilities, foster technical excellence, and maintain consistency across prototype and production environments.
At DAS, Robert drives technical strategy and execution across hardware and software development efforts, aligning engineering innovation with real-world mission needs. He works closely with operational users and developers to translate complex requirements into deployable solutions, while mentoring teams in systems engineering best practices and cross-functional collaboration.
Prior to his current role, Robert served as Senior Systems Engineer at DAS, where he led development efforts for advanced sensor platforms and contributed to business development and proposal strategy. His earlier work includes managing multimillion-dollar R&D portfolios for DHS, supporting technology integration for law enforcement and first responders, and developing decision analytics tools for federal agencies. He has also provided subject matter expertise to the Department of Defense, USAID, and other national security stakeholders.
Robert holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). His broad technical acumen, commitment to engineering excellence, and hands-on leadership continue to shape DAS’s innovation and mission impact.
bryan murray, director of revenue and strategic partnerships
Bryan Murray brings over 20 years of sales and leadership experience in advanced computer networking, secure storage, and software technologies. As Director of Revenue & Strategic Partnerships at Defense Architecture Systems Incorporated (DAS), he leads business development and strategic initiatives to expand DAS’s customer base, forge key partnerships, and strengthen the DAS brand. His focus is on aligning DAS’s core capabilities with mission-driven solutions tailored to the right customers and partners.
Prior to joining DAS, Bryan led global sales, marketing, and partnerships for companies specializing in cutting-edge OSINT and MFT software tools. He also has extensive experience supporting government programs in classified environments, including overseeing NSA CSfC certification, developing secure high-speed data storage platforms for ISR programs, and contributing to autonomous vehicle R&D efforts.
In addition to his technical and strategic expertise, Bryan brings strong organizational leadership through his role as Director of the Coaches Leadership Program—a respected leadership clinic in major college sports.
jeff lesho, chief scientist
Dr. Jeff Lesho brings over 35 years of experience in systems engineering, robotics, and military systems integration to his role as Chief Scientist at Defense Architecture Systems Incorporated (DAS). He leads DAS’s scientific and technical strategy, applying deep domain expertise to guide the development of advanced technologies and mentor engineering teams in complex system design and implementation.
In addition to his role at DAS, Dr. Lesho serves as an instructor at Johns Hopkins University, where he teaches graduate-level courses in systems engineering and robotics. His commitment to education and mentorship reflects his passion for cultivating the next generation of technical leaders and advancing the field through hands-on learning and real-world application.
Prior to joining DAS, Dr. Lesho held senior engineering leadership roles at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL), where he managed a team of 40 engineers supporting high-impact defense programs. His work included systems integration for DARPA’s Revolutionizing Prosthetics Program, robotics and autonomous systems development, and satellite engineering for military space initiatives. He also led architecture development for Department of Defense and Executive Branch programs, with a focus on operational reliability and mission alignment.
Dr. Lesho holds over 16 patents across a range of technologies, including biomedical devices and sensor systems. His blend of hands-on engineering experience, instructional leadership, and strategic vision continues to elevate DAS’s capabilities and support the development of next-generation solutions for national security.
todd woodrick, sof program area manager
Todd Woodrick is a former Air Force Special Tactics Officer with public and private sector experience in technology development. After leading special operations and advanced military technology programs for 24 years in the Air Force, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and Joint Special Operations Command, Todd joined the senior staff of Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab where he championed operator-centric technology development. In this role he was instrumental in creation of the nation’s first multi-domain intelligence fusion system for countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) terrorism. As a technology developer he has worked to bring operational expertise into the acquisition process, and developed a strong appreciation for the critical role of commercial innovation and private capital in advancing government and military capabilities.