Brad Chedister is the Chief Development Officer and Partner at Liminal Collective, specializing in technology, innovation, and human potential. With a passion for solving complex problems through diverse expert teams, he excels in ecosystem building, collective development, and resource teaming. From 2018 to 2024, he served as the Chief Technology & Innovation Officer in partnership with the Department of Defense and Federal Government, leading large-scale research and development ecosystems, fostering collaborations across political, government, academia, and industry sectors. He played a pivotal role in developing agile acquisition and innovation frameworks that empowered the United States and its allies. Additionally, he served as a Special Advisor for Bio-Tech, Med-Tech, and Human Performance Optimization Technologies for Special Operations Command’s innovation partner.

Previously, Brad held key positions at MIT-affiliated Draper Laboratories (2016–2018) as the Warfighter Systems Architect Director and as a strategic innovation advisor for USSOCOM’s innovation platform. From 2013 to 2016, he was a Technical Lead for the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) Joint Acquisition Task Force, orchestrating a global network of interdisciplinary experts to achieve a high-priority national security objective. Between 2004 and 2016, he contributed as an R&D Subject Matter Expert for multiple interagency and Special Operations Command programs, including Sensitive Site Exploitation, Human Performance Program, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and Identity Superiority initiatives. His expertise also extended to advising on key global initiatives, including working with the World Health Organization and White House leadership during the Ebola crisis.

A Biomedical Engineer by training, Brad holds dual master’s degrees in engineering management and technology management, along with multiple advanced certifications in acquisition, R&D, and organizational leadership. Prior to his government service, he played professional baseball for the Houston Astros organization. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for LANDWERX, co-chairs working groups for the NDIA and the automotive industry’s exoskeleton technologies subgroup, and is an advisory member of the Cognitive Performer Working Group, Ergo Global Futures ecosystem, and Northwestern University’s Kellogg Institute TWIN program, among other leadership roles supporting global innovation efforts.

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