OUR LEADERSHIP
Mission-focused and powered by results. Get to know the people who shape Galapagos.
Todd Lawson
Founder and CEO
Todd Lawson is the Founder, President, and CEO of Galapagos Federal Systems LLC. A seasoned leader in the federal contracting space, Todd brings over two decades of experience spanning operations, program management, and business development across both large and small defense firms.
His prior roles include Chief Operations Officer at 2c4 Technologies, Senior Program Manager at Boeing, and Business Development Manager at KaiHonua. Throughout his career, Todd has led major initiatives supporting the Department of Defense, including serving as site lead for the Pacific Joint Information Technology Center and the Integrated Technology Evaluation Center under the Defense Health Agency. He also managed classified programs at the Maui High Performance Computing Center, where he was responsible for developing and accrediting the Island Processing Center. Under his leadership, Galapagos has achieved over $600 million in business capture.
Beyond his professional achievements, Todd is deeply committed to community service. He has served on the Maui Economic Development Board, the Maui County Liquor Commission, the Kihei Charter School Board, and the council of Kihei Lutheran Church.
Todd is a graduate of Western Illinois University and an eight-year veteran of the Illinois Army National Guard, where he served as a Military Policeman. He resides in Maui, Hawaii, with his wife, Molly, and is the proud father of two adult sons, Andrew and Alexander.
Leith Benedict
Executive Vice President of Operations
Leith Benedict serves as the Vice President of Operations at Galapagos Federal Systems, bringing over 37 years of leadership experience in support of the Department of Defense. A retired U.S. Army officer, Leith held key command and staff positions throughout his 26-year military career, including battalion commander, deputy brigade commander, and TRADOC Capability Manager for Army satellite, network extension, and cyber systems. He also served as G3 of the 7th Signal Command, where he led operations and defense of the Army’s segment of the Department of Defense Information Networks (DoDIN) across CONUS.
Since transitioning to the private sector in 2011, Leith has led diverse IT and communications portfolios for mission-critical customers, including Army Materiel Command, Army Cyber Command, Program Executive Offices, and Forces Command. He is recognized for his ability to lead high-performing teams, manage complex technology efforts, and deliver results across classified and unclassified environments.
At Galapagos, Leith oversees enterprise operations and service delivery, ensuring the company exceeds customer expectations and contributes directly to mission success.
Leith holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, a Master’s in Telecommunications from Webster University, and a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He is an active member of AUSA, AFCEA, MOAA, and the Signal Corps Regimental Association.
Michael Harner
Executive Vice President Space Operations
Michael Harner serves as the Executive Vice President for Space Operations at Galapagos Federal Systems, where he leads all personnel and contracts supporting Department of Defense missions with a primary focus on U.S. Space Force initiatives. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Michael brings over 25 years of active-duty service and deep expertise in military operations, space programs, and mission support leadership.
Michael began his military career in 1993 after commissioning through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Michigan Technological University. He held numerous command and leadership positions throughout his career, including command of three squadrons and Deputy Group Commander of the 7th Mission Support Group at Dyess AFB, Texas. His final active-duty assignment was as Commander of the 377th Mission Support Group at Kirtland AFB, where he led five squadrons and a 1,400-member team in support of the Air Force’s sixth-largest installation.
A Purple Heart recipient and Bronze Star awardee, Michael is a survivor of both the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing and the 9/11 Pentagon attacks. His leadership in deployed environments and homeland defense has been marked by resilience, courage, and a commitment to mission success.
Following his military service, Michael continued supporting national defense objectives in the private sector. Prior to joining Galapagos, he served as Executive Director and Regional Program Manager, as well as Chief of the Director’s Action Group for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO), where he played a key role in advancing operational space programs aligned with U.S. security priorities.
Michael holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Alaska Anchorage, a Master of Science Certificate in Organizational Management from George Washington University, and a Master of Science in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB.
Mike Roberts
Executive Vice President National Capital Region Operations
Mike Roberts serves as the Executive Vice President for National Capital Region Operations at Galapagos Federal Systems, where he oversees active contract performance and drives new business growth across the region. A retired Senior Executive Service (SES) leader, Mike brings more than 29 years of experience supporting the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Space Force through both military and civilian leadership roles.
Prior to joining Galapagos, Mike held several high-profile positions within the Department of Defense, including Executive Director for Project Overmatch with the U.S. Navy, Program Executive Officer for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office with the U.S. Space Force, and Director for Development and Integration at the Navy’s Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems. He has spent the past two decades leading acquisition and engineering efforts across combat systems, weapons development, systems integration, testing, and sustainment.
Mike holds a Master of Science in Systems Engineering, a Master of Science in Software Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. He is DAWIA Level III certified in both Program Management and System Planning, Research, Development, and Engineering.
His distinguished service has earned him numerous honors, including the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Secretary of the Navy Acquisition Excellence Award, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and multiple unit commendations and achievement medals.
Dustin Bourgoine II
Senior Vice President Information Technology
Dustin Bourgoine serves as the Senior Vice President of IT & Cyber at Galapagos Federal Systems, where he leads enterprise technology operations and cybersecurity strategy in support of critical Department of Defense initiatives. With over 26 years of experience, Dustin brings a rare combination of senior leadership and deep technical expertise across enterprise IT modernization, cyber operations, and large-scale program transformation.
Dustin has built a career around delivering innovation and mission success in complex, high-stakes environments. At Noblis, he served as Director of Technical Solutions, guiding regional strategy and advancing initiatives across defense and intelligence markets. His leadership of Air Force modernization programs at Noblis ESI resulted in over $100 million in cost savings and multiple engineering awards. Earlier in his career at General Dynamics Information Technology, Dustin led global cybersecurity initiatives recognized at the Congressional level for advancing national cyber defense and threat mitigation capabilities.
He is also known for championing workforce development and launching leadership programs that strengthen organizational capability and team performance.
Dustin holds a Master of Business Administration from Walden University, a Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance, and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Western Governors University. He lives in Alabama with his wife, Jen, and their two children, Zoe and Dustin.