John DeCelle is an Account Technical Leader supporting the U.S. Department of the Air Force at IBM, where he helps mission leaders connect emerging AI, automation, data, and hybrid cloud capabilities to operational needs. With a background in Computational Modeling and Data Analytics & Economics from Virginia Tech, John has built his career at the intersection of technology, optimization, and building trusted relationships in support of federal, defense, intelligence, and industry clients. At IBM, he has delivered hundreds of technical proof points, contributed to winning federal responses, and earned IBM’s Entrepreneur Award for work supporting a new defense-grade small language model. John brings both technical experience and a deep personal commitment to education. Beyond his day-to-day role, he spends several days each week tutoring math and coaching youth basketball, track, volleyball, and cross country, while also mentoring college graduates and early-career professionals on job placement, interviews, resumes, and negotiation. John’s passion is helping people understand and use technology more thoughtfully, turning complex AI capabilities into practical mission solutions that empower humans in the loop.