Dr. Don Widener is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Intelligence Solutions and Modeling & Simulation Solutions business areas within the Intelligence & Security (I&S) sector of BAE Systems, Inc. He is responsible for defining strategies to accelerate the adoption of key technology priorities including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation to augment BAE Systems’ more than 3000 engineers and intelligence analysts supporting the Intelligence Community today. As CTO, he also directly supports several major programs focused on Operational Planning & Mission Rehearsal, Threat Intelligence, and high-assurance networks, cloud, and software solutions while leading the I&S Advanced Analytics Laboratory driving innovation into mission-enabling solutions.

Prior to this role, Dr. Widener served as Chief Engineer of the Global Analysis business area and Technical Director of the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) portfolio which he grew from four employees to over 800 providing Full Motion Video Imagery Intelligence Analysis for counterterrorism operations. As a technology leader, he successfully transitioned numerous research projects involving platforms, sensors, and software. Dr. Widener has also led the application and use of new analysis and data management methods, such as activity-based intelligence and structured observation management for software development. 

Dr. Widener completed his Ph.D. in systems engineering from The George Washington University and currently serves as an adjunct professor. He also holds a bachelor of science in imagery intelligence technology from Wayland University, and a master’s of science in systems engineering management from The George Washington University.