Illumination Works (ILW), a leader in digital transformation, advancing weapon system sustainment, and accelerating defense acquisition and procurement through data, AI, and modern software, is pleased to welcome Dan Marion as Director of Defense Strategy and Business Development.
This newly created role reflects ILW’s strategic focus on modernizing the Organic Industrial Base (OIB), accelerating weapon system acquisition through AI-enabled tools for the digital acquisition workforce, and expanding the company’s footprint in science and technology–funded innovation programs.
In this role, Dan will lead strategic capture efforts enabling translation of emerging technologies into operational capabilities, strengthening ILW’s position as a trusted partner in delivering measurable readiness and acquisition outcomes across the defense enterprise.
Driving Strategy, Capture, and Mission Impact
Dan brings more than three decades of experience aligning strategy, capture, and execution to deliver mission outcomes across the defense enterprise. He is recognized for working closely with government stakeholders to translate complex operational needs into actionable solutions—accelerating acquisition timelines and delivering capability into operational environments. His experience spans digital transformation, data-driven decision making, and lifecycle support for defense systems, with a strong emphasis on transitioning emerging technologies into real-world use.
Throughout his career, Dan has led disciplined capture and growth strategies that have resulted in significant program wins and measurable mission impact. A former U.S. Air Force logistics officer, Dan brings a deep understanding of sustainment operations and the challenges facing the OIB—experience that directly supports ILW’s focus on improving readiness and accelerating acquisition outcomes.
Accelerating OIB Modernization Through SBIR Phase III
Dan will focus on leveraging ILW’s Phase III SBIR contract vehicles to accelerate modernization across the OIB and enable faster delivery of mission capabilities. Through the Digital Transformation for Industrial Modernization (DTIM) Phase III SBIR IDIQ, ILW is supporting the deployment of digital depot capabilities that improve production visibility, integrate industrial data systems, and enhance decision-making across sustainment operations.
These efforts lay the foundation for more resilient, adaptive industrial operations—enabling the Air Force and other organizations within the Department of War (DoW) to increase readiness, improve throughput, and respond more effectively to evolving mission demands.
We are pleased to welcome Dan to Illumination Works at a time when the DoW is placing increasing emphasis on modernizing weapon system sustainment and accelerating acquisition outcomes. Dan brings a strong track record of aligning strategy, capture, and execution to deliver measurable mission impact in complex defense environments. His addition to our Defense Division team strengthens our ability to expand digital capabilities across the Organic Industrial Base, advance data-driven decision making, and transition emerging technologies into operational use. Just as importantly, Dan’s collaborative approach and commitment to results make him a strong fit for our team and the missions we support.
I’m excited to be working with Dan again at a time when the DoW is accelerating efforts to modernize sustainment operations and improve acquisition outcomes. Dan brings a disciplined, data-driven approach to strategy and execution that is essential for translating complex challenges into operational results. His ability to align stakeholders, integrate technical capabilities, and focus on measurable outcomes will strengthen our efforts to deliver digital solutions that improve readiness, enhance production effectiveness, and support faster, more informed decision making across the defense enterprise.
In parallel, ILW is continuing focus on the application of its Data Analytics as a Service (DAaaS) Phase III SBIR IDIQ to support data-driven decision making across DoW missions. This work integrates complex data, applying AI to operational challenges, and enabling more agile sustainment processes.
Together, these efforts demonstrate how Phase III SBIR pathways can be used not just to develop technology, but to rapidly transition and scale capabilities that strengthen the defense industrial base and accelerate mission outcomes.
Scaling Mission Impact Across the Defense Enterprise
ILW is pleased to welcome Dan Marion to the team and looks forward to the leadership and strategic insight he brings to this role. His addition reflects the company’s commitment to modernizing the defense industrial base, accelerating acquisition outcomes, and expanding the transition of emerging technologies into operational use.
As ILW continues to grow its presence across the DoW, the company remains focused on delivering measurable improvements in readiness, production, and decision advantage—where digital capabilities directly support mission execution.
Contact Information
For information on ILW’s IDIQ contract vehicles and other defense opportunities, contact:
- Dan Marion | Director of Defense Strategy & BD | dan.marion@ilwllc.com | LinkedIn
- Jan Turkelson | Senior Vice President | jan.turkelson@ilwllc.com | LinkedIn
- Janette Steets | Associate VP Defense Division | janette.steets@ilwllc.com | LinkedIn
About Illumination Works
Illumination Works is a trusted technology partner in user-centric digital transformation, delivering impactful business results to clients through a wide range of services including big data information frameworks, data science, data visualization, and application/cloud development, all while focusing the approach on the end-user perspective.
ILW’s Defense Division focuses on modernizing weapon system sustainment and accelerating defense acquisition outcomes across the DoW. The Division specializes in transforming OIB operations, accelerating weapon system acquisition through AI-enabled tools for the digital acquisition workforce, and advancing mission capabilities through science and technology–funded innovation.
ILW bridges the gap between commercial innovation and defense execution—bringing proven digital solutions into mission environments while advancing new capabilities through SBIR/STTR pathways and transitioning both into operational use. Through this integrated approach, ILW delivers secure, scalable capabilities that improve readiness, increase production effectiveness, and enable faster, more informed decision-making across the defense enterprise.
Established in 2006, the Illumination Works headquarters is in Beavercreek, Ohio. In 2020, Illumination Works adopted a hybrid work model and currently has employees in 24+ states and is actively recruiting.
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