The SPECTRUM Group > CAPT Mark Kester, USN, Ret.

CAPT Mark Kester, USN, Ret.

EXPERTISE AREAS

  • U.S. Military, Interagency, and Foreign Intelligence Programs
  • Naval and Joint Special Operations (SOF) Operations
  • Offensive and Defensive Cyber Operations
  • Big Data Analysis and Data Science Intelligence Programs
  • Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
  • Intelligence Training
  • International Business
  • Active TS/SCI Security Clearance

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Captain Kester supports clients working in and adjacent to intelligence programs, leveraging his more than 30 years of experience leading diverse global intelligence programs and teams for the military and private sectors. His extensive technical intelligence leadership spans U.S. military, interagency, and partner nation intelligence programs including big data and data
science analysis, information warfare, open source intelligence (OSINT), Special Operations Forces (SOF) intelligence, and cyber.

Prior to joining The SPECTRUM Group, Captain Kester served a 26-year career in the U.S. Navy. There, he led intelligence professionals supporting Joint Special Operations Forces conducting sensitive operations, and held key Naval Information Warfare leadership positions. After retiring from the Navy, Captain Kester established and operated an open-source analytical center in the MEA region that delivered daily executive-level intelligence support utilizing publicly available information and data science applications.

KEY POSITIONS

  • Chief of Staff, Naval Information Forces
  • Deputy Director for Intelligence, Joint Special Operations Command
  • Commanding Officer, Information Warfare Training Command Virginia Beach
  • Director of Intelligence, Naval Special Warfare Development Group
  • Commanding Officer, Naval Communications Material System

EDUCATION

  • M.A., International Relations, Salve Regina University
  • B.S., Comprehensive Science, Villanova University