Distinguished intelligence leader to advance AI-driven readiness and decision advantage across defense and the intelligence community
Ridgefield, CT – February 6, 2026– r4 Federal today announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Trey Whitworth, USN (Ret.), as President of National Security, effective February 1, 2026.
Vice Admiral Whitworth brings over 36 years of national security leadership to r4 Federal, not only as a senior officer in the United States Navy but also as a leader of the Intelligence Community. Most recently, he served as the eighth Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), leading one of the nation’s most critical intelligence organizations from June 2022 until his retirement from active duty. As Director, he led the growth and maturation of NGA Maven, the Department of War’s and Intelligence Community’s most extensive and impactful application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
“We are honored to welcome Vice Admiral Whitworth to r4 Federal,” said Paul Breitenbach, Founder and CEO of r4 Technologies. “His leadership at the highest levels of the Intelligence Community, combined with his deep understanding of emerging technologies, will be invaluable as we help government customers meet today’s most complex national security challenges with speed, clarity, and mission-ready AI.”
As President of National Security, Vice Admiral Whitworth will lead r4 Federal’s strategic efforts supporting defense and intelligence community partners, with a focus on advancing AI, predictive analytics, and operational decision advantage.
“I am excited to join r4 Federal at such a pivotal moment for national security,” said Vice Admiral Whitworth. “I know the global threat environment and our mandate for rapid modernization. The convergence of AI, data, and cloud technology presents a rare opportunity to improve how we anticipate threats, accelerate decision-making, and protect the nation. The proven values and innovative spirit of r4 align directly with my passion for applying technology to security and readiness.”
During his naval career, Vice Admiral Whitworth held senior intelligence roles across the Department of Defense and the broader Intelligence Community, including Director for Intelligence of the Joint Staff; Director of Intelligence for U.S. Africa Command and Joint Special Operations Command; senior leadership positions at the National Security Agency; and multiple deployments supporting special operations task forces in Afghanistan. His command tours included Commander of Joint Intelligence Center Central and the Navy Element at U.S. Central Command as well as the Navy’s Kennedy Irregular Warfare Center.
Vice Admiral Whitworth earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and holds a master’s degree in National Security Studies from Georgetown University. He is also a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
With Vice Admiral Whitworth’s appointment, r4 Federal strengthens its commitment to delivering trusted, predictive AI that helps the nation’s defense and intelligence leaders stay ahead of tomorrow’s threats—and ready for whatever comes next.
About r4 Technologies, Inc.
r4 Technologies, Inc, created in 2013 by the founders of Priceline, is the pioneer of Cross-Enterprise AI. Organizations across commercial and public sectors deploy r4’s AI technology platform to put Decision Advantage in the hands of business users to drive action. The company is based in Ridgefield, CT with operations in New York City, Toronto, Dublin, Austin, Knoxville, Manhattan, KS, and Lawton, OK.
