Founded in 2020 by Col. Sarah Whitfield (Ret.) and Dr. Marcus Ellison, Secret Squirrel Industries, LLC (SSL) is a Huntsville-based defense and aerospace research firm dedicated to pushing the boundaries of advanced propulsion, secure communications, and cyber-resilient mission systems. SSL blends military experience, academic rigor, and entrepreneurial spirit to deliver cutting-edge solutions for national security and space exploration.

Leadership Team

Col. Sarah Whitfield (Ret.), Chief Executive Officer

A Huntsville native and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Sarah brings more than 25 years of experience in aerospace systems, defense strategy, and joint operations planning. She began her career as an aeronautical engineer, later serving in multiple overseas deployments where she directed satellite communications and space domain awareness missions. At the Pentagon, she contributed to the development of the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), ensuring interoperability across domains. As CEO of SSL, Sarah’s vision is to fuse military precision with rapid innovation, keeping the U.S. ahead in aerospace and defense technologies.

Dr. Marcus Ellison, Chief Technology Officer

Dr. Ellison is a leading expert in nuclear propulsion and advanced energy systems. With a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from MIT, he spent a decade at the Department of Energy’s National Laboratories, where he pioneered work on compact nuclear reactors for space travel. He later served as principal investigator on DARPA’s Project Prometheus, exploring fission-based propulsion for deep-space missions. At SSL, Marcus directs the Fission-fragment Rocket Program, a next-generation propulsion initiative aimed at enabling sustained interplanetary travel. His unique ability to translate theoretical physics into deployable technology drives the company’s R&D agenda.

Elaine Carter, Chief Operations Officer

Elaine Carter has more than 20 years of experience in operations management and large-scale defense contracting. A graduate of West Point with an MBA from Duke University, she led program management offices for major aerospace firms, overseeing billion-dollar satellite and missile defense programs. Known for her ability to streamline complex workflows, Elaine ensures that SSL’s projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with the highest standards of quality. Her leadership bridges technical innovation with operational excellence.

Julius Verne, Chief Innovation Officer

A direct descendant of the visionary author Jules Verne, Julius embraces the legacy of imagination and exploration that defined his ancestor. With dual doctorates in Aerospace Engineering and Theoretical Physics from Caltech, Julius is both a dreamer and a builder. Before joining SSL, he worked with ESA and NASA on breakthrough concepts for lunar bases and orbital manufacturing. At SSL, Julius serves as the Chief Innovation Officer, spearheading bold initiatives in propulsion, autonomous systems, and extraterrestrial logistics. His philosophy—that science fiction can become science fact—guides SSL’s boldest projects.

Johnny Scapegoat, Chief Information Security Officer

Johnny Scapegoat is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a background in both offensive and defensive cyber operations. A former U.S. Navy Cryptologic Technician, he specialized in signals intelligence and red-team operations before transitioning to the private sector. He later joined the Department of Homeland Security, where he helped architect the nation’s first cyber mission assurance framework for critical infrastructure. At SSL, Johnny oversees all aspects of cybersecurity, from safeguarding classified research environments to developing resilient architectures for aerospace and defense systems. His expertise ensures that every innovation is protected against emerging threats.