Parry Labs announced the appointment of Don Claussen as chief executive officer, marking the next phase of the company’s leadership evolution as it continues to scale its defense technology business. Founder John “JD” Parkes will transition to the role of executive chairman, remaining full-time and focusing on strategy, investor relationships, and the company’s long-term direction.
Claussen joins Parry Labs with more than two decades of executive leadership experience across defense and technology organizations. His background includes senior leadership positions at L3Harris Technologies and Viasat, as well as serving most recently as CEO of ST Engineering iDirect, a communications technology company serving both commercial and government customers. A U.S. Army veteran, Claussen also supported tactical communications programs in Afghanistan and Iraq and worked extensively with deployed C4ISR systems.
The leadership transition comes as Parry Labs continues expanding its position in defense technology, with a focus on capabilities such as open architecture systems, edge computing, command and control (C2), and integrated solutions designed to support military operations. The company believes the new structure will help accelerate growth while maintaining its mission-driven culture and technical focus.
As CEO, Claussen will oversee day-to-day operations, including business execution, organizational alignment, and the company’s operating model across facilities in Virginia, Alabama, Maryland, Texas, and Iowa. Meanwhile, Parkes will concentrate on strategic growth initiatives, investor engagement, and guiding the long-term vision of the business.
Parkes said the company has spent the past decade building a defense technology platform focused on addressing national security challenges and believes the appointment positions Parry Labs for its next stage of growth. He highlighted Claussen’s experience leading technology-driven organizations through periods of significant expansion and industry change.
Claussen said he was attracted to Parry Labs because of its mission and technology portfolio, noting that evolving defense priorities are creating opportunities for capabilities centered on open architecture, edge computing, command and control systems, and integrated warfighter-focused technologies. He added that his objective is to help scale the organization while preserving the speed, technical excellence, and mission focus that have defined the company’s success.
KEY QUOTES:
“For the past decade, as a founder and CEO, I have been focused on building a defense technology company to solve our nation’s security challenges. Now more than ever it is paramount to build mission outcomes at speed and scale. As we, Parry, have continued to grow, I am happy to bring a new CEO and leader that will help us do that. The right leader for Parry will operate with humility, is driven by the mission, and has the proven experience to lead defense technology organizations to tremendous levels. I am confident Don is the right leader for Parry Labs.
His proven ability to lead technology driven organizations through massive growth, emerging technologies changes, and drive long term value is clear. I look forward to diving in as executive chairman and helping Don maximize the impact Parry Labs can have for our country.”
John “JD” Parkes, Executive Chairman, Parry Labs
“I came to Parry because I believe the mission needs Parry Labs’ technology. As the DoW shifts its priorities, I am excited to help position Parry within this evolving opportunity space. The defense industry needs exactly these capabilities right now: open architecture, edge compute, C2, and integrated systems with the warfighter at the center.
My job is to help scale the company while preserving the speed, technical excellence, and mission focus that made Parry successful in the first place. Having served in uniform and worked directly with defense systems in the field, I understand how important it is to deliver capability that works when and where it matters.
I am honored to join JD, the Board, the leadership team, and the entire Parry organization as we continue expanding the impact Parry can have for our customers and the warfighter.”
Don Claussen, Chief Executive Officer, Parry Labs
