President, CIE Defense
Zachary Amato
Zachary is a U.S. Navy veteran and seasoned defense industry leader with specialized expertise in energetics, hazardous materials transportation, and advanced RDT&E (Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation). He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master’s in International Relations, an MBA, and a Bachelor’s in Homeland Security.
As President of CIE Defense, Zachary has driven the company’s growth into advanced manufacturing, energetics development, and specialized training. Operating out of the Summit Point Training Facility, CIE Defense supports military, law enforcement, and government agencies with cutting-edge capabilities that enhance national security, operational readiness, and mission success.
Vice President, CIE Defense
Kevin Conrad
Kevin Conrad is a seasoned subject matter expert with deep expertise in security systems engineering, access control, video surveillance, electronics, and CAD design. His technical acumen spans both additive and subtractive manufacturing, where he has led the development of advanced tactical products and defense technologies.
With a proven track record in precision engineering, Kevin brings a wealth of manufacturing and process knowledge that is instrumental to CIE Defense’s innovation pipeline. His leadership directly supports the design and production of mission-critical solutions that meet the rigorous demands of military, law enforcement, and government agencies.
Kevin’s commitment to engineering excellence and operational reliability ensures that CIE Defense remains at the forefront of delivering mission-ready, cutting-edge technologies that perform under pressure and in high-stakes environments.
Managing Partner, CIE Defense
Todd Wilber
Todd Wilber brings over three decades of operational and research experience in counterterrorism, serving as a responder, researcher, policy advisor, and senior program manager. His career spans local, national, and transnational levels of engagement, with a unique blend of field-tested expertise and advanced technical knowledge.
A veteran of U.S. Army Special Operations and former State Department contractor, Mr. Wilber led indigenous forces in explosive hazard mitigation during active combat operations. He has firsthand battlefield experience with improvised explosives and IEDs, and has played a pivotal role in developing novel render-safe procedures for both IEDs and nuclear devices.
As a researcher and adjunct professor, Todd has advanced the understanding of peroxide-based explosives and is currently completing work on broad-use desensitization techniques for powdered primary explosives. His contributions have significantly influenced modern EOD practices, materials safety, and threat reduction methodologies.
Todd’s combination of operational leadership, scientific innovation, and instructional experience makes him a critical asset to CIE Defense’s mission of delivering safe, effective, and forward-thinking explosive solutions to military, law enforcement, and homeland security partners.
Director of Technical Operations, CIE Defense
Chaz Niffenegger
Chaz Niffenegger serves as the Director of Technical Operations at CIE Defense, where he leads and manages all aspects of security systems integration and installation. With over two decades of hands-on experience in government security systems engineering, Chaz brings deep technical expertise and operational leadership to complex defense and infrastructure protection projects. His background includes designing, deploying, and maintaining advanced access control, surveillance, and intrusion detection systems across sensitive government and DoD facilities. Chaz is instrumental in ensuring CIE Defense’s technical operations meet the highest standards of reliability, compliance, and mission readiness.
