Nathaniel “Spike” Charles

Nathaniel “Spike” Charles is a dynamic and results-driven professional with over three decades of diverse experience spanning engineering, project management, military leadership, research and organizational development.

Spike retired from the Army in 2015, completing a 24-year career where he served in a variety of roles supporting tactical through strategic domains. He is a prior Non-Commissioned Officer and graduate of the US Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Moore [Benning], GA; he has served in leadership roles since 1993, ranging from Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Company Commander, Battalion, and Brigade Signal Officer. Charles served multiple tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan as Signal Officer, Electronic Warfare Officer, Embedded Combat Advisor, and as NATO Staff Officer. He is passionate about sharing his experience with Test and Evaluation professionals to advance the objectives of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and rapidly transition emerging technologies to our nation’s warfighting force.

His post-military career highlights include leading cross-functional teams in support of several DoD Critical Technology Areas. Previously, Mr. Charles held leadership roles at Teknicare inc., and TRAX Technology & Engineering Center managing high-stakes projects and implementing ISO 9001-compliant quality systems.

Spike’s technical expertise spans IT, telecommunications, electronic warfare, directed energy, and biomedical research, including designing communication networks and contributing to 40+ biomedical studies.  Beyond work, Nathaniel mentors emerging leaders and explores innovations that connect technology and human potential.  Spike and his wife have been married for 28 years.

Spike holds undergraduate degrees in Biological Sciences, and Management as well as graduate certificates and degrees in Human Development, Neuroscience, and Information Technology from Iberoamericana University, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and Webster University.