## Drew Merriman Steps Into COO Role at Castellum as Company Charts Growth Strategy

Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM), a cybersecurity and electronic warfare services provider serving federal government clients, has elevated Drew Merriman to Chief Operating Officer effective September 1, 2024. This structural shift addresses the operational leadership gap left when Glen Ives transitioned to Chief Executive Officer on July 1.

**Career Arc and Technical Credentials**

Drew Merriman brings nearly a decade of direct Castellum experience combined with entrepreneurial credentials. Before joining Castellum's ranks, he spent ten years at Northrop Grumman Corporation, progressing through software development and technical management positions. Merriman also founded and led Merrison Technologies (MTech) in 2013, building it into an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company with 176% three-year revenue growth before Castellum acquired the firm in August 2021. His professional credentials include a degree in information technology management and Certified CMMC Professional certification from Cyber AB.

**Leadership Vision**

CEO Glen Ives praised Merriman's appointment, highlighting his blend of technical depth, relationship management capabilities, and operational execution track record. "Drew embodies the leadership qualities we need to drive operational excellence and sustainable organic expansion," Ives stated, positioning the promotion as part of Castellum's broader strategic focus.

Merriman expressed enthusiasm about the expanded scope, noting significant growth opportunities within the Defense Department and Federal Civilian agency markets. "The next several years present substantial capacity-building potential," he said, underscoring Castellum's ambitions in the federal services sector.

**Market Context**

As a specialized provider of cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and software engineering solutions to federal government agencies, Castellum operates in a mission-critical sector where technical expertise and customer relationship continuity drive competitive advantage. The promotion of an internally-developed executive with proven growth experience signals confidence in the company's execution capabilities.