“Connecting people and technology to accomplish great things.”
A trailblazer in technology strategy and systems engineering, Jerry McKinley brings more than 30 years of visionary leadership and transformational impact to the forefront of innovation. With a rare blend of systems thinking, problem-solving acumen, and deep technological fluency, Jerry has built his career on bridging complex challenges with clear, strategic solutions. His ability to guide organizations through digital transformation while anchoring his work in human-centered values has made him a sought-after executive voice in both enterprise and mission-driven environments.
From the onset of his career at Verizon, Jerry demonstrated a forward-thinking mindset that would define his professional identity. At Verizon, he pioneered groundbreaking technology initiatives that directly impacted millions of consumers, most notably leading the effort to standardize USB charging for mobile devices. This world-first initiative significantly reduced electronic waste and generated millions in consumer savings—an emblem of Jerry’s unique capacity to deliver both innovation and sustainability. Beyond product development, he also played a critical role in launching transformative services such as Verizon Wi-Fi, Jetpack®, and bringing the mobile hotspot functionality to market which is now available on billions of smartphones today.
After nearly two decades of success at Verizon, Jerry pivoted into entrepreneurial leadership and consultancy, founding J McKinley Enterprises. As principal consultant, he focused on designing and deploying cloud-based and hybrid applications that enabled businesses to operate with greater efficiency, security, and adaptability. These years honed his expertise in system architecture and strategic advisory—skills that would become central in his subsequent roles.
In his dual tenure at TransUnion and Truvessa, Jerry operated at the intersection of security, identity, and business efficiency. At TransUnion, he advised on expanding market penetration of critical identity management tools, while at Truvessa, he led cloud transformation and partner capability analyses. His work consistently reflected a commitment to integrity, strategic alignment, and the art of orchestrating secure, scalable technology ecosystems.
Jerry’s current role at Peraton is the culmination of a career spent mastering strategic technology execution. As Manager of Strategy in the Technology & Engineering division, he oversees enterprise-level transformations tied to a portfolio influencing over $5 billion in federal contract awards. His implementation of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and Lean Portfolio Management has eliminated waste, increased operational speed, and embedded agility across highly complex project landscapes. His leadership fosters a culture where innovation meets accountability—a place where bold ideas are not only welcomed but realized.
What distinguishes Jerry is not merely his résumé, but his philosophy. He approaches every project with a systems engineering mindset, always forecasting potential issues while architecting scalable solutions. He believes deeply in the power of connected thinking—the act of aligning people, processes, and technology to deliver shared success. This philosophy carries through in his extensive volunteer work, where he contributes time and leadership to organizations like Girls on the Run of Central Maryland, Bsides Charm, and AFS USA, mentoring youth, managing community events, and supporting cultural exchange.
Jerry’s educational foundation in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University underscores his lifelong commitment to learning. His credentials are robust and current, with multiple certifications across cybersecurity, product management, and agile practices, including Certified SAFe Lean Portfolio Manager, Certified SAFe Practice Consultant, and CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner, among others. These accreditations reflect both depth and breadth—core traits of his professional toolkit.
A natural communicator and systems thinker, Jerry excels at simplifying complexity and bringing clarity to decision-makers. Whether in the boardroom or the classroom, he is known for translating technical insights into meaningful strategic direction. His industry presentations and executive roundtable engagements further reflects his stature as a thought leader capable of engaging diverse stakeholders.
Personally, Jerry is fueled by curiosity, movement, and mission. He finds inspiration in outdoor activities like camping, cycling, and running—endeavors that mirror his professional ethos: stay active, stay adaptable, and always move forward with intention. He brings this same energy into his leadership roles, where he empowers others to grow and succeed through guidance, structure, and shared purpose.
As he looks to expand his impact through board service, Jerry is driven by a desire to give back—sharing his decades of experience with organizations that have a clear mission and a passion for making lives better. He is especially interested in communications and technology sectors, where his strategic vision and ethical compass can help guide companies navigating growth, disruption, and innovation. He brings not only a resume rich with achievement, but also a legacy of leadership marked by integrity, adaptability, and purpose.
Character:
Jerry McKinley is guided by integrity and a strong sense of purpose. His consistent involvement in volunteerism and youth development demonstrates a lifelong commitment to giving back and serving others.
Knowledge:
With a technical foundation spanning cybersecurity, product development, and agile methodologies, Jerry’s expertise is both current and expansive. His understanding of systems engineering and technology strategy empowers him to solve complex challenges with innovative precision.
Strategic:
Jerry’s professional path showcases his talent for turning vision into action. Whether managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios or pioneering sustainability in consumer technology, he combines foresight with execution to generate real-world impact.
Communication:
An accomplished presenter and trusted advisor, Jerry excels at conveying complex ideas in accessible terms. His ability to unite cross-functional teams around shared goals makes him an invaluable contributor to any leadership environment.
