February 15, 2012

Two new principals from government and industry expand Catalyst offerings in domestic and international markets

Defense and security consulting firm Catalyst Partners announced today that Akmal Ali and Steven Krause joined the company as principals in January 2012. These additions represent the latest moves in the firm’s continued expansion of its defense and homeland security business development, government relations and public affairs offerings for clients around the world.

“Catalyst has established a uniquely powerful position as a leading public affairs and advocacy firm in the U.S. homeland security business,” said David Olive, Catalyst Partners founder and managing partner. “Today’s huge public sector budget dislocations and dramatic shifts in the security environment make this exactly the right time to strengthen our ability to help our clients profit in a period of disruptive change. Akmal Ali and Steven Krause bring impressive new experience in defense and homeland security, and they will be invaluable to Catalyst’s clients.”

Ali will help domestic and international clients engage with the federal government, with an emphasis on technology growth. He brings extensive knowledge of public-private partnerships, private sector preparedness and resiliency and risk management. Ali most recently served the role of deputy director at the Department of Homeland Security Office of SAFETY Act Implementation, and earlier worked with the research and development-focused Institute for Defense Analyses where he concentrated on economic and insurance models used for recipients of SAFETY Act protections.

“I was deeply impressed with Catalyst Partners’ commitment to client service, unparalleled level of expertise, and their clear vision for the firm’s growth,” said Ali. “I look forward to working with such a dedicated and knowledgeable team.”

Krause brings 35 years of experience in domestic and international aerospace, defense and security business development, new ventures and government relations. He formerly worked for The Boeing Company and McDonnell Douglas Corporation and will provide strategic counsel to clients on business design and capture strategy. Krause has extensive experience in U.S. Arms Export Control Act, Missile Technology Control Regime and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act compliance.

In a recent post on Security Debrief, a blog on homeland and national security, Krause discusses how growing public sector budget pressures can yield new opportunities for small and medium defense and security firms in both the U.S. and international markets, noting that “this new normal can spell terrific opportunity for firms that are willing to shed comfortable habits and plunge into the maelstrom with courage.”