Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | November 16, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 21 was the importance of looking aer the well-being of those under his command. He believed that when sailors were supported and equipped to handle their own challenges, they were better prepared to work together and accomplish their mission. ose lessons have followed him into his civilian career, which spans nearly 16 years in defense contracting and government service. Mitchell has held engineering and program management roles involving Navy combat systems at Lockheed Martin and KMS Solutions, worked in robotics product management at Greensea IQ, and served as a test program management specialist lead supporting U.S. Air Force AWACS aircra at Hanscom Air Force Base. He joined Solvus Global in July 2025, bringing his technical back- ground and military leadership expe- rience to the company. Now, his responsibilities are expanding beyond program manage- ment to include workplace culture, employee engagement, and communi- ty outreach. For Mitchell, one of the biggest lessons from his military career is that a team's success oen comes down to how its people are treated and led. "It's how to navigate and work with people to motivate them effectively to drive that culture," he said. Mitchell has also continued his education throughout his career, earning a bachelor's degree from Liberty University, a master's degree in engineering management from Vanderbilt University, and complet- ing postgraduate studies in strategic leadership. Transitioning to civilian careers aer military service can be challeng- ing, but Mitchell encourages veter- ans to recognize their strengths and embrace new opportunities. "Even if you don't feel prepared, do the hard thing, take the chance," he said. He also encourages veterans to build relationships and lean on the people around them. Mitchell credits much of what he has learned to those who mentored him throughout his ca- reer and believes it's now his respon- sibility to "pay it forward" by sharing those lessons with others. U.S. Navy Capt. Steve Bissell saw that people-first leadership while serving alongside Mitchell on an exec- utive steering committee. Bissell recalled numerous meetings where Mitchell, oen the only enlisted representative among senior commis- sioned officers, spoke up to remind leadership about the sailors affected by their decisions. "I don't think I have enough syn- onyms to use to explain how much of a positive impact he's had on the sailors and the leaders above him," Bissell said. Bissell, who has served in the Navy for 30 years, described Mitchell as an empathetic, positive leader whose discipline, communication skills, and ability to work with others have served him well in both his military and civilian careers. Outside work, Mitchell has spent more than 16 years as a Boy Scout- master, served as veteran outreach chair at Harbor Church, and support- ed fellow veterans through fundrais- ing events such as Heroes In Transi- tion's Ruck4HIT and the Falmouth Road Race. For Bissell, Mitchell was more than a fellow service member. He was someone whose opinion he trusted and whose advice he valued. "[Mitchell is] somebody you'd want by your side to help you to be a good sounding board on, hey, is this the right decision," Bissell said. SERVICES INCLUDE • Office Moving • Residential Moving • Long Distance Move • Corporate Relocation • Trash Removal • Flood & Fire Restoration • Senior Moving • Portable Storage • Warehouse Storage • Final Mile Delivery • Long-Term Storage • Short-Term Storage • Packing & Unpacking • International Moving Warehouse Storage For Rent Asset Management Program Office and Lab Moving WE KNOW STORAGE!!!! thestoragecompany.com F O C U S Kaileif J. Mitchell Age: 47 Military branch: U.S. Navy Rank: Senior chief petty officer Business: Solvus Global Business title: Principal technical program manager Business location: Worcester NOTABLE VETERANS IN BUSINESS

• Cover