MITRE Names Dean Commons Managing Director of MITRE Australia
Canberra, Australia, April 10, 2025 – MITRE has named Dean Commons managing director of MITRE Australia. Following a three-decade-long career in the Australian Army and Navy, he will bring his extensive national security expertise to lead a hybrid Australia-U.S. team delivering innovative, mission-focused solutions to MITRE’s support of Australian defence and intelligence missions.
Leveraging decades of research conducted for the U.S. government, MITRE supports Australia’s sovereign capabilities by providing expertise in mission capabilities, digital engineering, systems engineering and integration, advanced command and control, space, artificial intelligence guidance, cyber operations, and electromagnetic and information warfare. Commons’ team will address strengthening regional stability, enhancing coalition interoperability, and countering emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific.
“Dean’s leadership, operational expertise, and strategic vision uniquely position him to drive the future development of MITRE Australia,” said Greg Crawford, vice president, mission-driven integration, MITRE National Security Sector. “His deep understanding of the Indo-Pacific region and his ability to foster collaboration across international defence and intelligence communities will be invaluable as we continue to address the region’s most pressing challenges.”
Dean joins MITRE Australia following a distinguished 38-year career in the Australian Army and Navy, where he retired as the Royal Australian Navy’s senior-most intelligence officer. His most recent role was vice J2/vice director for intelligence at INDOPACOM. His experience includes four years in Washington, D.C., and Hawaii, as well as 11 active-duty deployments across Africa, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific.
“MITRE Australia aims to be a transformative force in Australia’s national security and technology landscape,” said Commons. “By leveraging our unique capabilities, fostering collaboration, and adapting to local needs, we’ll significantly contribute to Australia’s sovereign capabilities and its role in maintaining regional security.”
In addition to his defence experience, Commons worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Border Force. A recognised expert in intelligence and domain awareness, he was instrumental in establishing Australia’s Joint All Domain Awareness Centre.
He is an alumnus of the Australian Command and Staff College, the War College, the National Security College, and the Wharton School. He holds multiple master’s degrees in arts, business, intelligence, strategy, management, and public policy. A decorated veteran, Commons’ honors include the Commendation for Distinguished Service, the Conspicuous Service Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal (three times), and the Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer).
About MITRE Australia
MITRE Australia is a not-for-profit that works in the public interest to address the most complex national security challenges in today’s hyper-competitive strategic environment.
Media: Lisa Fasold, media@mitre.org