The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) joins the regional business and tech community in mourning the loss of Mike Daniels—a visionary executive, national thought leader, and tireless advocate for innovation and collaboration.

Mike’s career was marked by extraordinary accomplishments on the national stage. Before his tenure as Chairman of CACI, Mike played pivotal roles in companies that helped shape both the technology industry and the region’s economy. Early in his career, he rose through the ranks at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), where he led the company’s business development and later headed its information systems group, growing SAIC into one of the largest employee-owned R&D and government services firms in the country. During this period, Mike’s leadership not only generated billions in revenue but also established his reputation as a skilled executive able to bridge the worlds of government and technology.

Perhaps one of Mike’s most influential chapters was his role as Chairman and CEO of Network Solutions. In the mid-1990s, he led the company during the historic commercialization of the Internet, overseeing Network Solutions’ management of the domain name system at a time when .com, .net, and .org domains were transforming global business. Under his leadership, Network Solutions grew exponentially, ultimately going public and later selling to VeriSign in a multibillion-dollar deal. His strategic vision placed him at the epicenter of the Internet’s explosive growth, helping to unlock the web’s commercial potential—a feat chronicled in the Washington Post and highlighted as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” that Mike seized with both hands.

As Chairman of CACI in more recent years, Mike continued to advise government and corporate leaders alike, helping drive technologies that safeguarded our country and advanced the missions of both public and private institutions. His leadership helped accelerate innovations in cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital transformation—work that has shaped industries and protected communities. Through it all, Mike remained grounded, generous with his time, and committed to lifting others.

His regional legacy is equally profound. As Chair of NVTC from 1997 to 1998, Mike was instrumental in expanding the Council’s influence and credibility at a crucial moment in Northern Virginia’s evolution. He brought together entrepreneurs, technologists, and public-sector leaders to champion a bold vision: a thriving innovation ecosystem rooted in collaboration between business and government. That vision helped establish Northern Virginia as one of the most respected and resilient technology hubs in the country.

Even decades after his NVTC leadership, Mike stayed actively involved. In 2021, he generously collaborated with NVTC President and CEO Jennifer Taylor on the development of the Council’s five-year strategic plan, offering thoughtful insights that shaped its direction.

Greg Baroni, current Chair of the NVTC Board, shared:

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mike, former Chair of NVTC and a pillar of our region’s business and tech community. He was a tremendously kind and gracious leader—always engaged, thoughtful, and generous with his time and perspective. A prince of a gentleman, he was a strong advocate for small businesses and a trusted and balanced leader. He earned the deep respect of those who worked alongside him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew and admired him.”

Jennifer Taylor, NVTC President and CEO, added:

“I am deeply grateful for all that Mike did to help build NVTC more than 25 years ago. His vision and foundational leadership gave this organization the credibility and purpose it needed to grow—and that legacy continues to guide us today. When I stepped into my role as CEO, Mike was one of the first people I reached out to. He was incredibly generous with his time, offering thoughtful insights that helped shape our five-year strategic plan. He believed in the power of this region, the importance of mission-driven innovation, and the role NVTC could play in bringing leaders together. Thanks to Mike, NVTC continues to thrive—and his imprint is still felt in everything we do.”

Inspired by Mike’s values and commitment to service, NVTC proudly supports the annual Good Scout Award in Tech, which honors leaders who embody integrity, mentorship, and civic responsibility—qualities Mike demonstrated every day.

Mike Daniels’ legacy lives on in the strength of our technology community, the leaders he mentored, and the vision he championed. Mike leaves behind an indelible mark on Northern Virginia and a lasting model of leadership for all of us.