About Me
Clinton Austin is a United States Air Force Veteran and has been a collaborative Information Technology (IT) expert for over 25 years. He consistently demonstrates professionalism, a high level of skill, and the ability to adapt and overcome obstacles. Throughout his career, he has provided consulting services to small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, and the Department of Defense (DoD). He is recognized as an industry expert in business strategy, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and IT process improvement.
In his current role as Senior Director of Business Development at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), Austin leverages his extensive experience in the defense sector to drive strategic growth initiatives. Building on his successful track record at CDW‑G Federal (July 2022 to November 2025), where he pioneered the Program Based Account (PBA) approach for the Department of Defense sector, Austin now applies his expertise to GDIT’s systems integration business model. His strategic vision and collaborative approach continue to deliver exceptional results in capturing and developing opportunities within the Space Force and Air Force markets.
During his tenure at CDW‑G Federal, Austin achieved remarkable growth, expanding the U.S. Space Book of Business by $30 million within 24 months and increasing the DoD OCONUS Book of Business by $5 million within 12 months. His “player-coach” philosophy resulted in numerous team members receiving the prestigious CDWG President’s Award for achieving 10% to 30% growth in their respective market segments. He delivered a keynote speech at the 2023 Sales Kickoff Meeting to over 200 sales professionals, emphasizing the value of developing a two-year strategic focus.
Austin has established himself as a thought leader through his active participation in industry organizations, including AFCEA and the Space Force Association. He has published several influential articles, including “Multiphase Approach to Killing the Living Dead” in AFCEA’s Signals, “Hidden Technical Debt Creates Challenges for Agencies Evolving Their IT Infrastructure” in CDW-G’s Fed Tech Magazine, and “SOF Reflection: Fortifying Security at Home & Abroad” for the Space Force Association.
Previously, Austin served as Chief Innovation Officer and Director at Jacobs (October 2020 to May 2022), where he managed over 160 staff members, overseeing $16 million in labor and $36 million in material costs. He successfully boosted the Cybersecurity Team’s staffing from 50% to 90% within two months. He revitalized a struggling program in three months, securing Option Year Two funding. As Senior Business Development Principal (February 2019 to October 2020), he played a key role in securing a $1 billion government services contract.
His expertise in Big Data, AI, and ML was developed during his tenure as Data Architect for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) from May 2017 to February 2019, where he co-authored the USSOCOM Data Strategy and Storage Strategy, conducted an in-depth review that reduced 200 IT projects to 60, and served as hiring manager for a $1B contract requiring 1,300 staff.
Before his data architecture role, Austin served in various positions throughout the DoD, including:
- Service Delivery Coordinator for HQ USSOCOM J6 Planning and Engineering Branch (November 2015 to May 2017)
- Senior IT SME/Senior Web Developer for HQ USSOCOM Executive Office Special Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Exploitation programs (July 2011 to November 2015)
- System Engineer for HQ AFSOC SharePoint programs (June 2010 to July 2011)
- Project Lead/Application Developer for HQ AFSOC (April 2008 to May 2010)
- Web Developer/Application Engineer for J2, United States Southern Command (March 2007 to March 2010)
- Communications Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force (March 2000 to February 2007)
Austin holds an Executive MBA from the University of Tampa’s John H. Sykes College of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Internet Systems and Software Technology from Bellevue University. He maintains an active Top Secret clearance with eligibility for SCI.
With a strong commitment to community involvement, he previously served as Co-President of AFCEA Emerging Leaders (Non-NCR) from April 2020 to February 2022 and Vice President of Membership and Internal Affairs for AFCEA International from May 2018 to April 2020. He is an active member of the American Legion and Free & Accepted Freemasons. He is passionate about mentoring military veterans as they transition into the commercial sector.