Jake Waddell

Jake Waddell serves as the Director of Special Programs at Second Front Systems where he leads the Special Operations and Interagency portfolios. Second Front specializes in rapid software accreditation, delivery, and hosting of emerging technologies on government networks. Prior to Second Front, he conducted multiple deployments with strike force elements of the Special Operations community and gained extensive experience deploying and using novel technologies at the operational level across various branches of the Special Operations enterprise. Jake was then selected for a fellowship at a prominent DC-based strategic advisory firm specializing in national security, innovation, and the defense venture ecosystem. He serves as the Chairman of the Small Business Committee for the Global SOF Foundation, enhancing collaboration and success of over 200 small businesses partners. He volunteers as a crew member of the Black Flag Accelerator by Harpoon Ventures, focused on foundational support for early-stage startups. Jake commissioned as an Infantry Officer from Georgia Military College, where he received the MacArthur Leadership Award and the Special Forces Association Award of Excellence. He holds a Master’s Degree in National Security Policy from Duke University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Auburn University.