Mike Donovan Named Chief Operating Officer-Elect; Mike Emerle Promoted to Chief Financial Officer; Intelligence and Critical Infrastructure Protection Operations to Become Dedicated Business Units
TREVOSE, Pa., October 19, 2026 – Data Systems Analysts, Inc. (DSA), a 100% employee-owned information technology solutions company serving government and commercial customers since 1963, today announced a planned leadership succession and business unit realignment designed to strengthen the company's leadership team, sharpen its focus on key government markets, and maintain continuity for customers and employees.
Mike Donovan has been named Chief Operating Officer-Elect and will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective January 1, 2027. He will succeed Kathleen Kirk, who plans to retire in March 2027 following more than 30 years with Data Systems Analysts. Kirk will remain with the company through March to support the leadership transition.
"Kathleen's leadership, dedication, and commitment to our customers and employees have made a lasting impact on DSA," said John Foley, Chief Executive Officer. "We are deeply grateful for everything Kathleen has contributed to the company. Just as importantly, her continued involvement gives us the opportunity to make this transition thoughtfully and maintain our strong focus on customer success."
Throughout her career at DSA, Kirk has played a significant role in the company's government technology and knowledge management work. As COO, her responsibilities have spanned mission support, enterprise information technology, data science, and critical infrastructure protection. Her professional recognition includes the 2015 SmartCEO Baltimore Brava Award and the Northeastern Maryland Technology Council's 2019 Visionary Leader Award.
Donovan brings more than 20 years of experience with DSA, having advanced through technical, program management, and executive leadership roles supporting defense, intelligence, and federal civilian customers.
As part of the company's continuing evolution, DSA will also realign its existing Intelligence and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) organization into two dedicated business units effective January 1, 2027.
Chris Guyton will lead the Intelligence Business Unit, and Eoin O'Driscoll will lead the CIP Business Unit. The new structure will allow each organization to focus more closely on its customers, markets, and growth opportunities. Both business units will report to Donovan as COO.
DSA also announced the promotion of Mike Emerle to Chief Financial Officer, effective November 1, 2026. Emerle has held progressively senior financial leadership positions since joining DSA in 2014. His promotion recognizes his contributions to DSA, the growing importance of strong financial leadership, and the company's continued focus on strategic initiatives.
"These appointments demonstrate the depth of leadership we have developed within Data Systems Analysts," said Foley. "As a 100% employee-owned company, we take a long-term view of our customers, our employees, and our business. Mike Donovan, Mike Emerle, Chris Guyton, and Eoin O'Driscoll know our customers, understand our culture, and share our commitment to mission success. I am confident they will help lead the company forward while preserving the qualities that have made us successful."
About Data Systems Analysts, Inc.
Data Systems Analysts, Inc. (DSA) is a 100% employee-owned, AI-driven technology company specializing in intelligent platforms, digital modernization, and mission-critical solutions for government and commercial customers. Founded in 1963, DSA combines decades of mission expertise with emerging technologies to help customers solve complex challenges, accelerate innovation, and achieve critical mission outcomes.
Headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, the company maintains operations supporting customers across the United States. DSA has achieved CMMC Level 2 C3PAO certification, is registered to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and is appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 3 for Services and Development.
For more information, visit www.dsainc.com.
Media Contact
Adele Hackney,
Data Systems Analysts, Inc.
adele.hackney@dsainc.com
215-532-9573