Kentro, Lynker elevate new CEOs from within
Gettyimages.com / Sakchai Vongsasiripat
By
Ross Wilkers
The now-former chief executives for both companies are staying involved as board chairs.
Kentro
The federal IT modernization and cybersecurity company has put in place a new leadership structure that sees a pair of executives move up to the co-CEO ranks with different areas of responsibility.
Tom Swerdzewski was named co-chief executive of delivery and operations, where he will oversee how Kentro provides services to its customers and efforts at scaling across the portfolio. He first joined Kentro in 2014 and most recently worked as its chief operating officer.
Tom Fogarty is now co-chief executive of growth and technology, a role that involves business development strategy and innovation efforts. Fogarty first joined Kentro in 2019 as chief strategy officer.
Pinakin Patel, formerly CEO of Kentro since 2011, has moved over to chairperson of the board of directors.
Kentro rebranded to its current name and identity in the spring of 2025 from IT Concepts. The company touts a federal client base that includes the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs Department, Federal Aviation Administration, Special Operations Command and Defense Intelligence Agency.
McLean, Virginia-headquartered Kentro has posted roughly $249.9 million in unclassified prime contract revenue over the trailing 12 months. VA work represents the largest share of that spend at 66%, according to USASpending.gov data.
In addition to the co-CEO promotions, Bri Brodeur has moved up to chief alignment officer after four years as Kentro’s chief experience officer. She has been with the Kentro organization since 2019.
Lynker
Scott Rayder has moved up to chief executive at the environmental and scientific services provider, which he first joined in the fall of 2023 as president.
Rayder succeeds founder Joe Linza, who moves over to the executive chairman position after having started the company in 2007.
“Joe remains fully engaged, focusing on strategy, scaling, and M&A. As CEO, Scott will lead day-to-day operations and execution of Lynker’s strategic vision,” according to a LinkedIn post from the company.
Leesburg, Virginia-headquartered Lynker has posted roughly $94.3 million in unclassified prime contract revenue over the trailing 12 months. NOAA work represents 95% of that spend with the remainder coming from the National Science Foundation and Environmental Protection Agency, according to USASpending.gov data.
Prior to Lynker, Rayder worked as a vice president and division manager in Leidos’ climate business.
His career in government is highlighted by service as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s first-ever chief of staff.