About Us

Tim Tkacz is the founder and CEO of Blue Sky Innovators, a company at the forefront of defense technology innovation. With over two decades of experience in cyber warfare, maritime, and C4ISR technologies, Tim has played a pivotal role in developing and transitioning cutting-edge capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

Throughout his career, Tim has contributed to numerous advanced defense programs, including work with DARPA, the U.S. Navy, and the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office. His expertise spans from tactical airborne communications to unmanned systems and cyber physical systems.

At Blue Sky Innovators, Tim leads a team of 30 professionals, focusing on AI/ML and RF-related internal research and development efforts. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton and Georgia Institute of Technology, respectively, as well as an M.S. in Finance from George Washington University.

Scott has 30 years of experience in technology development in both Government and Industry roles. He is a former Defense Intelligence Agency senior leader and US Navy reserve officer. Expert in building, coaching, and leading teams in optimizing engineering and operational programs, Scott also leads Blue Sky’s internal research & development initiatives. Scott has a MS in Computer Science from Pace University and a BS in Computer & Information Sciences from John Jay College (NY). He is a US nationally certified soccer coach and has likely traveled to twice as many countries than you have.

Jessica Bradshaw brings over 14 years HR, recruiting and project management experience including support to OUSD(R&E), DARPA, Navy, Air Force and SPACECOM. As the first HR hire for Blue Sky, she has implemented HR initiatives and streamlined processes to facilitate company growth and increase employee engagement. Jess also has a background in sport and event management and continues to work occasionally for the Boston Red Sox. She has a Bachelors Degree in Economics and Communications from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Education After-Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Calgary. In her spare time she likes to run, travel and spend time with her husband and two boys.

Scar has 20+ years of experience supporting space and cyber programs across the Department of War and the Intelligence Community. He specializes in driving transformative initiatives that enhance operational capabilities and foster collaboration between technology and strategy. With a proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, Scott excels in identifying emerging trends and integrating innovative solutions that address complex challenges. His expertise spans policy development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with mission objectives. Passionate about advancing national security, Scott is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to create impactful change. He holds a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Colorado, a MBA from the University of Massachusetts Boston and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Randall Trani leads enterprise strategy at the intersection of mission and industry, accelerating the adoption of dual-use technologies for defense and national security clients. A retired Senior Executive Service (SES) leader, former U.S. Diplomat, and U.S. Army veteran, Randall brings more than 25 years of experience modernizing capabilities and integrating emerging technologies into mission-critical workflows.

Prior to joining Blue Sky Innovators, Randall served as Deputy Director for Intelligence (J2) and Senior DIA Representative to U.S. Forces Korea, where he leveraged the Defense Intelligence Enterprise, foreign partner capabilities, and industry to meet complex intelligence and operational requirements. Earlier, he held successive senior leadership roles within the Defense Clandestine Service (DCS), including Chief of Operations, Associate Deputy Director for Operations, and Deputy Director. In these roles, he directed global operations, oversaw tradecraft and resourcing, and authored and executed a strategic roadmap to restructure the organization and operating model against increasingly sophisticated threats.

A true practitioner-scholar, Randall bridges theory, execution, and commerce. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and an MBA in Technology Management. Beyond government service, he is a successful entrepreneur who founded and scaled a global consumer brand. He is a fluent Korean speaker, a Certified Executive Coach, and an Adjunct Professor of Intelligence and National Security at the University of Arizona.

Mia is a retired Air Force Contracting Officer with 21 years active duty Air Force and 12 years Industry contract administration and management experience. As Government, she was an expert in classified space system research and development, operations and maintenance, and contingency contracting. She worked exclusively and extensively across multi-disciplined teams on major Department of War (DoW) and Intelligence Community (IC) programs and acquisitions-- from requirements development to contract award and administration to compliance and close out. As a contractor, Mia has extensive experience supporting start-up and growing small businesses as they scale and learn to navigate the federal contracting space. She has a BS in Business from Wayland Baptist University, a MS in Human Resource Management from Chapman University, and is a Certified Federal Contracts Manager and DoW Contracting Level III.

Mia joined the Blue Sky team in 2024 and teleworks from Sarasota, Florida.