Harnessing Technology & Innovation
Mark Kennedy has advanced technology and innovation across business, government, and academia—shaping institutions to thrive in a digital-first era. From launching AI-focused research centers to guiding national technology policy and fostering student access to high-demand STEM degrees, his leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to strategic tech adoption, industry collaboration, and the transformative potential of innovation.
🎓 University of Colorado (CU) 2019-2021
📚 Student Degrees
- Championed the University of Colorado’s efforts to address the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Encouraged development of new degrees and credentials to prepare students for careers in AI, data science, and health technology.
💻 Online Learning
- Unified CU’s four campuses around a coordinated online strategy.
- Advocated for investment in infrastructure and governance to support scalable digital learning.
🔬 Research
- Supported CU’s successful bid to host one of only five NSF AI Research Institutes.
- Launched AB Nexus to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations between CU Anschutz and CU Boulder, combining expertise in biosciences, engineering, public health, and more to drive innovation and secure competitive research funding.
- Collaborated with NVIDIA and CU Anschutz to explore digital twin applications in healthcare.
🖥️ Enterprise IT
- Launched the Transformation and Innovation Program (TIP) to modernize CU’s IT systems and services.
- Focused on enhancing student services, data-informed decision-making, and administrative efficiency.
🤝 Industry / Military Collaboration
- Collaborated with NVIDIA and CU Anschutz on a digital twin project for hospital operating rooms.
- Launched the President’s Space and Defense Council to strengthen ties with the aerospace sector.
- Engaged regularly with Colorado’s growing aerospace industry, including workforce initiatives and policy collaboration.
- Selected for the U.S. Space Force University Partnership Program
🚀 Innovation & Incubators
- Supported CU Innovations at Anschutz, a leading hub for biomedical and biotech commercialization.
- Promoted innovation through entrepreneurship centers and technology transfer initiatives at CU Boulder.
- Served on the board of the Fitzsimons Innovation Community, a biotechnology park supporting startup growth.
🎖️ Distinctions
- Home to five Nobel Laureates,
- Ranked #1 among public universities in NASA and NOAA funding.
- Hosts JILA, a top global institute for quantum physics (in collaboration with NIST).
- LASP has built instruments sent to every planet and Pluto.
🎓 University of North Dakota (UND) 2016-2019
📚 Student Degrees
- Added cybersecurity and analytics degrees, available both on campus and online.
- Championed new curricular offerings to support workforce needs in technology and national security.
💻 Online Learning
- Expanded UND’s online presence and digital learning infrastructure to regional leadership.
- Promoted use of flexible delivery models to reach nontraditional learners.
🔬 Research
- Launched the Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS), positioning UND as a national leader in autonomous technology.
- Provided internal funding to advance AI, IoT, and unmanned systems research across disciplines.
🖥️ Enterprise IT
- Upgraded UND’s website and implemented a modern Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) platform.
- Enhanced technological support for students, faculty, and staff.
🤝 Industry Collaboration
- Fostered partnerships with Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, and Rockwell Collins.
🚀 Innovation & Incubators
- Elevated UND’s Center for Innovation, expanding support for startups and student entrepreneurs.
- Attracted national recognition for entrepreneurship programs and commercialization support.
🎖️ Distinctions
- Launched the nation’s first uncrewed aerospace degree, leading in autonomous aviation education.
- In 2018 facilitated the first successful ‘beyond visual line of sight’ drone test using a multi-use, broad-purpose network
- UND named by U.S. News as one of the 25 most innovative universities.
🎓 George Washington University (GSPM) 2012-2016
📚 Student Degrees
- Secured major university investment to expand the digital reach of the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM).
- Introduced digital boot camps to ensure GSPM graduates were familar with latest digital tools.
- Offered one of GW’s first MOOCs, second only to former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke.
💻 Online Learning
- Introduced optional on-campus weekends for online students in conjunction with the digital boot camp and other special event.
- Launched GW’s first Spanish-language degree online with short DC residiencies.
🔬 Research
- Established programs focused on big data, digital engagement, and the future of civic technology.
🤝 Industry Collaboration
- Partnered with leading digital vendors to deliver Digital Boot Camps, building workforce-ready skills for students.
⚡ National & Global Technology Policy 2022 - Present
Director - Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition (Wilson Center)
- Delivered addresses at Harvard and the AI Action Summit in Paris focused on AI’s global implications.
- Submitted to the Office of Science and Technology Policy in response to a RFI seeking input on US AI Action Plan
📜 Congressional Tech & STEM Leadership 2001-2007
- Doubled NIH research funding
- Championed STEM education and workforce development through expanded community college partnerships and technology training grants.
- Cosponsored the Health IT Promotion Act and funded expansion of electronic health records.
- Cosponsored the Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act, supporting technology grants and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
🏢 Business Career 2007-10 and before 2000
- Oversaw IT operations in multiple executive roles.
- Led the implementation of two ERP systems, including one that later became a standalone company purchased by Oracle.
- Held global executive roles at Accenture, gaining deep exposure to emerging technologies and international digital transformation strategies.
🚀 Accelerating Innovation
- Led CU and UND initiatives that helped secure competitive R&D distinctions, including NSF AI Research Institutes and uncrewed systems leadership.
- Partnered with industry giants like NVIDIA, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics.
- Served on board of biotech-focused Fitzsimons Innovation Community.
🌐 National Policy Thought Leader
- Founder of the Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition at the Wilson Center.
- Provided national AI policy input to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
- Presented at Harvard and AI Action Summit in Paris.
💼 Technology in Practice
- Oversaw global IT operations in business roles.
- Led two ERP implementations—one in collaboration with Accenture, now part of Oracle.
- Former global executive at Accenture—described as a “master’s in technology through real-world leadership.”