Shilpa Bahethi
Chief Executive Officer
Shilpa Bahethi, a distinguished member of the Bahethi family, previously served as the company’s corporate treasurer. She's known for her exemplary leadership skills and unwavering commitment to the company’s success. She has medical experience which enhances the company’s competitive edge, particularly in fields where science, technology, and health intersect. Her dedication to creating a positive and innovative work environment makes her a cornerstone of SSAI’s growth and development.
Praveen Bahethi
President
Praveen Bahethi is a personable and driven executive with a background in managing technology firms of various sizes across many industries. In 2021, he became SSAI’s president and desires to return the company to its focus: scientific and engineering innovation. Praveen Bahethi has an eye for efficiency and productivity, and is committed to furthering his parents’ vision of working to improve the quality of life today and into the future.
Rachit Mahajan
Chief Financial Officer
Rachit Mahajan joined SSAI’s leadership team in 2021 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing with him over two decades of expertise in finance, accounting, business systems, and taxation. In his role as CFO, Rachit has been instrumental in overseeing comprehensive financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and long-term financial planning. He has strengthened SSAI’s internal controls by enhancing risk management frameworks, optimizing audit processes, and implementing robust financial reporting systems. Additionally, Rachit has taken the lead in managing key partnerships with financial institutions, auditors, and government agencies, ensuring compliance while fostering strong external relationships to support SSAI’s strategic goals.
David McBride
Chief Operating Officer
Prior to becoming chief operating officer in 2023, David McBride led the Science, Technology, and Research Support Services III contract at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) from 2021 to 2023 and served as SSAI’s vice president of Virginia operations. He has supported NASA LaRC and held multiple SSAI positions since 2013. McBride has also served several terms as the National Contract Management Association - Hampton Roads chapter president.
Chris Williamson
Chief Strategy Officer
Chris Williamson is responsibile for shaping SSAI's strategic direction, growth, and communication. Before working for the company, he worked for Newport News Shipbuilding, and at Jacobs for twenty-plus years. His service at Jacobs included leading the growth of the Government Technology Performance Operations unit and served as a VP for more than three years.
Ray Baldon
Chief Technology Officer
Ray Baldon is the Chief Technology Officer at SSAI, bringing over 25 years of experience in technical leadership, system integration, and software testing for complex, software-intensive programs. Ray has dedicated his career to supporting Government agencies, specializing in system architecture, requirements analysis, risk management, and functional analysis. As CTO, he leads SSAI’s technological vision, ensuring the successful delivery of innovative solutions that advance science and technology.
Oreste Reale
Chief Corporate Scientist
Oreste Reale, PhD oversees science SSAI researchers conduct — a role he has filled since 2021. Prior to his work with SSAI, Reale worked with the Universities Space Research Association, where he was the director of a cooperative agreement with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) between 2019 and 2021, and associate director from 2015 to 2019. Additionally, he has more than 20 years of research experience at GSFC with a focus in atmospheric dynamics, hurricanes, weather forecasts, and data assimilation of hyperspectral infrared sensors as well as been a member of the NASA Sounder Research Team since 2010. His research interests include the general circulation, modeling and predictability of the Martian atmosphere.
Diedre "Dee" Jones
Vice President of Human Resources
Diedre Jones, an executive-level human resources professional with more than 24 years of experience in human resources and government contracting, has been with SSAI for more than 24 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources and several certifications. Jones leads SSAI’s strategic human resources functions and serves as the lead for our corporate social responsibility pillar.