PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Captain Karon supports clients working in U.S. Navy programs, delivering extensive expertise in strategic business development (BD) and Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE), Congressional, and Executive Branch government relations. He has significant experience in Seapower programs, with a focus on large surface combatants including Zumwalt programs.

Prior to joining The SPECTRUM Group, Captain Karon served as the Senior Manager for BD Operations and Large Surface Combatants, Seapower Business Development at Raytheon Company, leading the firm’s effort to secure Congressional appropriations for Zumwalt, Seapower, and related programs. Previously, he served as Corporate Vice President for BD at American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC), where he led BD efforts involving the DOE, Office of the Vice President, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and Congress to gain and maintain funding for ASMC’s Navy programs. He also previously served as AMSC’s Director of Government Programs and Business Development, Rotating Machine Business Unit. Prior to that, Captain Karon served as Director of Sales and Project Manager for Spectronic Instruments.

Captain Karon’s 26-year U.S. Navy career culminated in his serving as Executive Assistant to the Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, where he supported the Navy’s ship and combat systems engineering, development, production, and maintenance organization. His prior assignments included serving as the U.S. Navy’s Japanese AEGIS FMS Program Manager, Staff R&D Program Coordinator to the Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations, and Naval Sea Systems Command Program Manager.

In addition to his work at The SPECTRUM Group, Captain Karon serves as a mentor to startup ventures seeking to gain funding in initial business phases through the MIT Venture Mentor Service.