Guidehouse Expands Defense Leadership with Cyber and AI Innovators

MCLEAN, VA — September 29, 2025 — Guidehouse, a global AI-led professional services firm, has added Nirali Chawla and Angel Wang to its Defense & Security segment. Together, they bring more than 40 years of experience in technology enablement, cybersecurity, AI, and defense modernization. 

Chawla joins as U.S. Navy Technology Account Leader, where she will lead efforts to advance cyber resilience, digital transformation, IT audit readiness, and mission success. She brings over two decades of experience advising federal and commercial clients, including the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), and has led large-scale modernization initiatives across multiple DoD agencies. Chawla has been recognized as a 2025 Top 50 Women Leader of Virginia and a 2024 Women Leader in Consulting.

“Nirali is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of driving technology modernization and mission outcomes across the DoD,” said Brian Wodarski, Partner and Defense & Security Technology Capability Leader at Guidehouse. “Her experience, perspective, and strong client relationships make her a tremendous asset as we continue to support advancing the Navy’s mission and modernizing their technology.”

Wang joins as an accomplished leader in financial management transformation, focused on expanding Guidehouse’s capabilities in AI-enabled audit readiness and operational efficiency. With nearly 20 years of experience guiding CFOs, CDAOs, CIOs, and CTOs across federal agencies, she is known for driving responsible AI adoption and delivering first-to-market solutions with technology ecosystem partners.

“Angel’s track record in leading agencies through transformation and her deep expertise in emerging technologies is invaluable as we continue to expand our Defense & Security financial management capabilities,” said Ruba Elbasha, Partner and Defense & Security Financial Management Capability Leader at Guidehouse. “By bridging technical innovation with mission-driven outcomes, she will advance our ability to serve clients in their most complex modernization initiatives.”

Guidehouse has a long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and broader defense community, delivering services in weapon systems support, systems modernization, audit readiness, internal controls, policy development, and supply chain transformation. The addition of Chawla and Wang reflects the firm’s continued investment in top talent and innovation to help clients outwit complexity and achieve lasting impact.

About Guidehouse  
Guidehouse is a global AI-led professional services firm delivering advisory, technology, and managed services to the commercial and government sectors. With an integrated business technology approach, Guidehouse drives efficiency and resilience in the healthcare, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and national security markets. Built to help clients across industries outwit complexity, the firm brings together approximately 18,000 professionals to achieve lasting impact and shape a meaningful future.

Media Contact:
Guidehouse
Cecile Fradkin  cfradkin@scprgroup.com