#USA #Washington, D.C. #Outernet #Rivada Networks #Joe Maguire

Rivada Select Services Expands Leadership Board

On March 11, 2025, Rivada Select Services, a subsidiary dedicated to meeting the communication needs of U.S. government agencies, announced the addition of three significant members to its board of directors. These appointments aim to revolutionize the company’s Outernet satellite constellation, enhancing its operational effectiveness.

Among the newly appointed board members is Joe Maguire, a former Acting Director of National Intelligence, who brings a wealth of experience from his storied military career as a retired Vice Admiral of the U.S. Navy. Maguire has held notable positions including Director of the National Counterterrorism Center and Commander of Naval Special Warfare Command. His leadership aligns perfectly with Rivada Select's commitment to providing top-tier secure communication channels essential for national security operations.

Joining him is John O'Connor, the CEO of J.H. Whitney Investment Management and a former Chairman of JP Morgan Alternative Asset Management. O'Connor is also a Senior Fellow at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he imparts knowledge on the economics of national security, further underscoring his expertise in both finance and government sectors.

Allen Parker, also newly appointed, has a distinguished background as the former Interim CEO and General Counsel for Wells Fargo. His legal expertise and experience in commercial banking will significantly contribute to the board’s strategic vision, as he navigates the complexities of financial operations within Rivada Select.

Michael Abad-Santos, the head of Rivada Select Services, expressed his enthusiasm about the trio’s diverse expertise, stating, “These distinguished leaders significantly enrich our mission to empower U.S. government and civilian agencies with the world's first self-contained global network.” Their combined insights from national intelligence, defense, and financial arenas are expected to drive Rivada’s advancements in secure communication technologies.

The Outernet Initiative

At the center of Rivada’s vision is the Outernet, an innovative network comprised of 600 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This architecture is designed to offer global, low-latency, point-to-point connectivity, crucial for national defense and civilian communications. By leveraging advanced technologies such as inter-satellite laser links and onboard processing capabilities, the Outernet aims to provide uncompromised communication routes that require ultimate security.

The DoD, along with various governmental entities, can utilize this robust network to interconnect essential assets worldwide with remarkable efficiency and negligible latency, ensuring secure data sharing free from third-party supervision.

“The Outernet is designed from the ground up to meet the specialized needs of the U.S. government, ensuring that both defense and civilian agencies benefit from its capabilities,” stated Maguire, emphasizing his anticipation for what this network could achieve.

Furthermore, the contract with the U.S. Navy to develop a zero-trust architecture signifies Rivada's commitment to advancing military readiness through secure communication methods tailored specifically to critical defense operations.

Looking Ahead

Rivada Space Networks, the parent company, aims to redefine the telecommunications landscape by employing revolutionary satellite technology that prioritizes secure, efficient communication infrastructures. As they embark on this journey, the combined experience of Maguire, O'Connor, and Parker will be pivotal in navigating both strategic and operational challenges in the field.

With these appointments, Rivada Select Services positions itself not only as a leader in secure communication solutions but also as a key player in enhancing the operational capabilities of U.S. Government agencies. Their focused mission and the introduction of the Outernet highlight a future where seamless connectivity is guaranteed, irrespective of geographical constraints.

For more information about Rivada Space Networks and the Outernet, visit www.rivadaspace.com. Follow them on LinkedIn and Twitter for updates on their initiatives and technological advancements.