Leadership
Shilpa Bahethi
Chief Executive Officer
Shilpa Bahethi, a distinguished member of the Bahethi family, previously served as the company’s corporate treasurer. She's known for her exemplary leadership skills and unwavering commitment to the company’s success. She has medical experience which enhances the company’s competitive edge, particularly in fields where science, technology, and health intersect. Her dedication to creating a positive and innovative work environment makes her a cornerstone of SSAI’s growth and development.
Praveen Bahethi
President
Praveen Bahethi is a personable and driven executive with a background in managing technology firms of various sizes across many industries. In 2021, he became SSAI’s president and desires to return the company to its focus: scientific and engineering innovation. Praveen Bahethi has an eye for efficiency and productivity, and is committed to furthering his parents’ vision of working to improve the quality of life today and into the future.
Rachit Mahajan
Chief Financial Officer
Rachit Mahajan joined SSAI’s leadership team in 2021 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing with him over two decades of expertise in finance, accounting, business systems, and taxation. In his role as CFO, Rachit has been instrumental in overseeing comprehensive financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and long-term financial planning. He has strengthened SSAI’s internal controls by enhancing risk management frameworks, optimizing audit processes, and implementing robust financial reporting systems. Additionally, Rachit has taken the lead in managing key partnerships with financial institutions, auditors, and government agencies, ensuring compliance while fostering strong external relationships to support SSAI’s strategic goals.
Kevin Cooley
Chief Operating Officer
Kevin Cooley is SSAI’s Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining SSAI, he served as Environmental Intelligence Advisor to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, acting as the executive liaison between NOAA and DHS. Previously, he directed the National Weather Service Office of Planning and Programming for Service Delivery, where he led 1,500 personnel and managed $650M in annual mission capabilities. Mr. Cooley served in the Federal Senior Executive Service from 2002 through 2025.
Chris Williamson
Chief Strategy Officer
Chris Williamson is responsible for shaping SSAI's strategic direction, growth, and communication. Before working for the company, he worked for Newport News Shipbuilding, and at Jacobs for twenty-plus years. His service at Jacobs included leading the growth of the Government Technology Performance Operations unit and served as a VP for more than three years.
Oreste Reale
Chief Corporate Scientist
Oreste Reale, Ph.D., oversees science SSAI researchers conduct — a role he has filled since 2021. Prior to his work with SSAI, Reale worked with the Universities Space Research Association, where he was the director of a cooperative agreement with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) between 2019 and 2021, and associate director from 2015 to 2019. His current research interests include the general circulation, modeling and predictability of the Martian atmosphere. He is working closely with scientists in the Solar System Exploration Division (Code 690) on the creation of a Mars Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) Framework. Additionally, he has 25 years of research experience at GSFC with a focus in atmospheric dynamics, hurricanes, weather forecasts, and data assimilation of hyperspectral infrared sensors.