Embedded Files
Mission: A national security innovation community where every promising founder — in every region — has a clear path to the mission, guided by technical leaders who reflect the full breadth of American talent.
Mission: A national security innovation community where every promising founder — in every region — has a clear path to the mission, guided by technical leaders who reflect the full breadth of American talent.
Karen Roth is a distinguished executive leader and engineer at the vanguard of national security innovation. With over two decades of experience within the U.S. Air Force ecosystem, she has spent her career bridging the critical gap between cutting-edge commercial technology and operational military capability.
As the former Deputy Director of AFWERX, Karen was instrumental in maturing the Department of the Air Force’s "dual-use" innovation pipeline, overseeing a massive portfolio of technology transitions. Her technical depth is anchored by her tenure as Chief Engineer for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate, where she provided strategic oversight for C4I and Cyber Science portfolios.
Beyond her technical contributions, Karen is a recognized global leader in STEM advocacy and organizational governance. As a Past President of the Society of Women Engineers she oversaw the strategic direction of a global professional organization, bringing a "fiduciary-first" mindset to complex nonprofit and technical leadership challenges.
Karen holds an Executive MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, an M.Eng. in Systems Engineering from Cornell University, and a B.S. in Software Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology. She specializes in advising organizations on Defense Innovation Strategy, Digital Engineering frameworks, and Strategic Ecosystem Development.
What RothSalluzzo Offers
Board & Advisory Board Seats — standing governance for ecosystem organizations and early-stage dual-use companies entering the defense market
Strategic Ecosystem Development — connecting founders, government program offices, and investors so technology transitions faster
Defense Innovation Strategy — turning SBIR/STTR, AFWERX, and DoD acquisition pathways into an executable roadmap
Executive Coaching & Strategic Communication — for technical leaders stepping into board rooms and funding conversations
Core Differentiators
Deep connections throughout the Department of Defense allows for rapid analysis of technologies and opportunity within the Department. Skills in Digital Engineering & Cyber Science Oversight. Executive Management. Strategic Planning. Small Business. Non-Profit Governance & Fiduciary Leadership.
Strategic Leadership & Affiliations
Department of Defense Innovation in the AFWERX and AFRL ecosystems
Global Engineering Governance via the Society of Women Engineers and Girl Scouts
Academic and Technical Excellence by leveraging engineering foundations
Consultant for The Roosevelt Group, a trusted DC based lobbyist
Consultant for PW Communications, Griffiss Institute and Focusing Forward
How to Engage
RothSalluzzo works through board seats, standing advisory retainers, and strategic ecosystem engagements. If you're building or leading an organization that moves dual-use technology toward the warfighter, let's talk about the right structure.
Page updated
Report abuse