Our Leadership

Dr. Gary D. Butler is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Camgian Corporation, an AI-enabled software company supporting military decision-making. Under his leadership since 2006, Camgian launched Reactor®, a kill chain automation software platform for air and missile defense and counter-drone systems. Previously, he was a division engineer at BBN Technologies, leading advanced research in the application of machine learning to complex signal processing challenges, with a particular focus on leveraging genetic algorithms to optimize neural network classifiers. Additionally, he led several DARPA-funded initiatives aimed at developing next-generation multi-static radar systems and signal processing technologies. He holds a Ph.D. from Cambridge and degrees from Vanderbilt and Tulane, along with an executive certificate from MIT.

Danny Merchant is Camgian’s Chief Technology Officer. He drives the company’s focus on delivering value, solving customer challenges, advancing competitive insights, and aligning strategic product priorities. With over 36 years of experience, he has delivered multiple programs and products, including lower-power radars, counter-UAS systems, satellite communication protocols, and networked sensors. Before joining Camgian, he served as the Senior Director of Corporate CAD at Cypress Semiconductor, automating chip design processes. Danny holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, graduating Magnum Cum Laude from Mississippi State University, with significant post-baccalaureate courses in Computer and Electrical Engineering.

Michelle Parisi joined Camgian in 2013 and has served as CFO since 2020. She oversees the company’s financial strategy and operations, guiding all aspects of finance, accounting, and human resources. She works closely with the CEO, board of directors, and shareholders to shape Camgian’s financial direction and growth objectives. Michelle has more than 30 years of experience and a well-rounded operational background shaped by roles in high-tech manufacturing and telecommunications. Advancing from Staff Accountant to Accounting Manager to Controller roles, she developed a comprehensive command of financial reporting, forecasting, and cash flow management, always guided by integrity and a strong awareness of risk. Michelle is a CPA with a BBA in Economics from Mississippi State University and an MBA from Mississippi College.

Derrick Savage serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Camgian, overseeing operations, business processes, digital transformation, IT, facilities, security, project management, and product quality assurance. He leads efforts to improve corporate productivity, efficiency, consistency, and standardization through processes, tools, and infrastructure that promote scalable corporate growth. Derrick has 32 years of experience in semiconductor IC design, systems engineering, and management, with multiple senior leadership roles at Cypress Semiconductor and Camgian Corporation. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University, graduating Summa cum laude. Derrick is a named co-inventor on 6 U.S. Patents.

Dr. Clay Stanek is the Chief Scientist at Camgian with 33 years of experience in target tracking, machine learning, and data analytics. A specialist in mathematical modeling and Bayesian statistics, he holds seven patents in Data Fusion and Bayesian learning. His contributions to defense ML include a risk detection prototype for the Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency. Before Camgian, he was Chief Technologist for the Army Analytics Group at Peraton and Chief Mathematician at Northrop Grumman. Dr. Stanek earned a Ph.D. and MS in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics from the University of Cambridge and holds dual BS degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Mathematics from MIT.

Dr. Aristoff is Camgian’s Chief Innovation Officer. He leads Camgian Labs, the company’s applied R&D cell focused on high-risk, high-reward initiatives, through which he harnesses advanced AI to address critical national security challenges across air, space, and missile defense. Prior to joining Camgian, he served as Senior VP of Technology at Slingshot Aerospace, where he led the development and deployment of novel space domain awareness capabilities. He also co-founded and built the Space Division at Numerica Corporation, which was acquired by Slingshot and successfully integrated under his leadership. Dr. Aristoff earned a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he also received a BS in Mathematics with Computer Science.

Muthu Nagarajan serves as the Executive Vice President of Product Development, managing a talented team of AI, Software, and Systems engineers developing innovative products and solutions for DoD and commercial organizations. He has over 25 years of product development experience in the semiconductor industry and the DOD space, where he contributed to the successful development of several commercial and military products. In his early years at Camgian, he worked on several sensor-related projects, architecting and designing low-power sensors and hardware solutions to address the needs of the defense industry and the Internet-of-Things market. Muthu holds 7 patents in the areas of semiconductor IC design and IoT sensor networks. He earned his Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University.

Kevin Tingley serves as Vice President of Products & Services at Camgian, overseeing product management, marketing, and commercial business development. He drives strategic alignment between market demands, product vision, and organizational growth, delivering advanced cognitive decision aids and machine learning solutions that optimize operational efficiency and mission success in government and commercial organizations. With over 30 years of experience in finance, sales, and business development, Kevin has held senior roles at Goldman Sachs and was a Partner at Saratoga Capital. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, graduating magna cum laude.

Jeff Freeman serves as Vice President of Government Business Development, overseeing new business captures, customer relationship development, proposal management, and budget backlog achievement. He directs a team of business development and gov’t relations professionals growing business opportunities in established and new markets with the Army, other DoD services, Gov’t agencies, and International Foreign Military Sales. Jeff has 23 years of experience in corporate BD and Gov’t relations with Camgian, DRS, and Fincantieri, along with 20 years as a Naval Aviator, flying over 3500 hours in four squadrons while serving in executive management positions. He earned a BS in Mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy, as well as an MBA from Marymount University and an MS in National Security Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

Bobby Rappai is Vice President of Engineering at Camgian, leading Artificial Intelligence, Software, and Data Science initiatives that drive advancements in defense and commercial technologies. With over 30 years of experience in telecom, big data, and enterprise systems, he directs the implementation of innovative solutions and decision aids for kill chain automation and defense readiness. Previously, he held senior roles at Verizon, managing projects in real-time call processing, revenue assurance, media delivery, and network analytics. Bobby holds Master degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science from Mississippi College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology. He was named a 2021 “Top in Tech” by the Mississippi Business Journal.

Doug “Goz” Gosney serves as Chief of Staff and VP of Operations and Program Management, overseeing program management and leading efforts to accelerate productivity, effectiveness, and speed in addressing and resolving corporate issues. He joined Camgian in 2018, bringing a wealth of defense and leadership experience to our team. Doug served as an Air Force officer/pilot for 23.5 years, retiring as a Colonel and logging 3400 flight hours. He was a Commander at the Squadron, Group, and Wing levels. He was a National Defense Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and graduated from the Executive Development Programs at the Kenan-Flagler Business School and the Center for Creative Leadership. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University and master’s degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Air University.