Aligning Wartime Execution, Workforce Ownership, and the True Intent of the SBA 8(a) Program
Pahala, Hawaiʻi — [2/24/2026] — Akamai Intelligence today announced the promotion of Joe Brown from General Manager to President, recognizing his leadership in reshaping the company to operate on a wartime footing—aligned with the Secretary of War’s priorities for speed, accountability, and a more capable defense industrial base.
Since assuming responsibility for daily operations, Brown has transformed Akamai Intelligence into a company built for execution—compressing decision cycles, strengthening internal capabilities, and ensuring the organization delivers real outcomes, not paper compliance. Central to that effort has been his focus on workforce development, employee care, and internal ownership as the foundation of mission success.
Mel Yokoyama will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer, focusing on enterprise strategy, Indo-Pacific growth, and alignment with the mission of the Mālama Kaʻū Foundation, Akamai Intelligence’s parent Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO).
“In a wartime acquisition environment, intent matters,” said Yokoyama. “Joe understands that the SBA 8(a) program exists to build enduring, capable small businesses—not pass-through entities. He has deliberately reshaped Akamai Intelligence to own its work, develop its people, and deliver capability that stands on its own.”
Under Brown’s leadership, Akamai Intelligence has reinforced the intent and purpose of the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program—investing in employees, internal systems, and operational depth to ensure the company is a true value creator for its customers. His tenacity was most recently demonstrated through the company’s successful SBA 8(a) audit, where he led a rigorous, transparent compliance effort that validated Akamai Intelligence’s governance, execution model, and commitment to program integrity.
With decades of experience in government contracting and federal IT, Brown brings disciplined judgment across federal market strategy, SBA 8(a) and NHO procurement, cybersecurity, cloud modernization, AI/ML, and mission-aligned technology delivery. As President, he will continue to drive daily execution while sustaining a culture that takes care of employees and holds itself accountable for outcomes.
“The intent of the 8(a) program is capability, ownership, and growth,” Brown said. “Our responsibility is to build a company that earns its place—by investing in our people, owning the mission, and delivering at the speed our customers require.”
About Akamai Intelligence
Akamai Intelligence is a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO)-Owned, SBA-certified 8(a) small business delivering secure IT, intelligence, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and federal agency customers. The company operates in alignment with the mission of its NHO parent organization, Malama Ka’u Foundation, to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s rural communities and enhance resilience across the Pacific.
