Melvin Cordova, owner of Zeus Direct, has a proven executive management track record in the defense and intelligence technology industry, with over 30 years of experience leading change, managing innovative programs, and building consensus.  He specializes in providing operational advisory services to innovative companies doing business with the Department of Defense and intelligence community organizations.  His focus is on identifying emerging threats, and managing the velocity and complexity of technology innovation for high stakes environments.  Through his diverse leadership experience he has established a track record of successful management and execution of innovation in R&D programs and technology policy in DoD/IC.  He earned his stellar reputation by building winning teams, driving accelerated growth, and developing strong customer relationships with both the technical community and end users.  Clients include: Board of Directors, ProActive Risk Management; Advisor, for Tachyum and People-Centered Internet; Consultant, for Carahsoft and RANE Network. He also holds advisory board positions for various companies, his current focus includes commercializing government intellectual property and volunteers providing humanitarian assistance to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and that aid has transitioned to building capacity.  Serves as President of Worldwide Structured Finance.

Prior to forming Zeus Direct, Cordova served as secretariat for the Innovation Advisory Board, Office of the Deputy Director, Defense Intelligence Agency. He also served as the senior program manager for the Technology Action Group, Office of the Chief of Staff, DIA, addressing the most difficult problems of IT, Analysis, MASINT, and HUMINT.  While in this role, Cordova maximized the value of In-Q-Tel portfolio companies, leading investments of more than $100 million in 60+ technology companies, and more than $100 million in other key and enabling technology programs.  Cordova managed DIA participation in military exercises and led the transition of technologies to operational use.  These efforts earned him recognition from the Director of National Intelligence for collaboration.

Prior to his appointment to the Technology Action Group, Cordova served 3-1/2 years in the Defense HUMINT Management Office, Technology Tradecraft Office, as senior program manager, deputy chief and acting chief.  He also served as chief of the DIA contracting office in Baghdad, Iraq, providing oversight of all Iraq Survey Group contracts.  In this role, he managed a team of 20 senior government specialists providing oversight for all DIA contracts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, and Kuwait.

Cordova served 22 years on active duty in the United States Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer in the fields of electricity, electronics, and interior communications.  Cordova is a highly decorated military veteran.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics and education from Southern Illinois University.  He is fluent in Spanish.